The FBI is currently on the lookout for Gautam Gupta, a doctor who allegedly scammed the state and private insurance companies alike out of some $25 million and faces a bevy of federal charges including mail fraud, health care fraud and conspiracy in a criminal complaint.
Gupta, 57, owns and operates five different nutrition clinics throughout Chicago, northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin and is a familiar face to Chicago residents as he often advertised his clinics on the city's local stations, according to the Los Angeles Times. Despite that familiarity, federal agents have thus far been unable to locate the doctor, whose last known address was in Rockford, since he was originally charged in January 2010.
According to The Los Angeles Times, Gupta and his staff submitted claims to both Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Illinois Medicaid for services that were medically unnecessary for his clients. In some cases, the reported services were never actually performed. If convicted, Gupta faces a prison sentence of up to 35 years.
Gupta's company's website claims the clinic "assists patients in losing weight and achieving their goals by placing them on a supervised weight loss management program that entails the use of different FDA approved medications, in conjunction with a low fat/low calorie diet, and exercise." For those clients without insurance, Gupta charges a $195 one-time consultation fee, plus between $45 and $65 for each follow-up visit, "plus the cost of medication." His website notes Blue Cross/Blue Shield as the only insurance company they work with.
His website also reports that, as of this month, two of his clinics -- in South Beloit and Chicago -- have closed, though he encouraged interested clients in those cities to visit his three remaining locations in Rockford, Arlington Heights and Naperville.
Any individuals with information pertaining to Gupta's whereabouts are encouraged to contact the authorities.