Philadelphia Man Charged In Disability Fraud

PHILADELPHIA - Sheikh Mohammed Khurshan, 55, of Philadelphia, PA, was charged by indictment, unsealed today, in a disability benefits fraud, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger.  Khurshan is charged with 11 counts of wire fraud, 16 counts of health care fraud, one count of Social Security fraud, one count of false statements, and one count of false statements in connection with an application for a passport.  According to the indictment, the defendant applied for and received disability benefits from the Social Security Administration while lying and concealing his work activity. 

As a result of this allegedly fraudulent application for disability benefits, the defendant also received health care services and treatment under Medicare and Medicaid.  The defendant also applied for a replacement passport, allegedly lying that his passport had been lost.  The defendant’s alleged actions resulted in a loss to the Social Security Administration of $145,166.24, and a loss to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services of $181,851.86.          

If convicted, the defendant faces a substantial period of incarceration, a period of supervised release, forfeiture, a possible fine, restitution of $327,018.10, and a $3,000 special assessment.

The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, and the Diplomatic Security Service. Assistance was provided by the FBI and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Amanda R. Reinitz.

An Indictment is an accusation.  A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.