New York– Media posts and community commentary circulating within the Pakistani-American diaspora in New York are alleging a fresh wave of federal actions targeting alleged fraud in adult social day care centers and pharmacies exploiting the U.S. Medicaid m/ Medicare System. These claims, which remain unconfirmed by official sources, describe recent FBI raids and airport arrests as part of a broader crackdown on organized schemes involving kickbacks, fake billing, and money laundering.
According to a widely shared post and accompanying video transcript attributed to commentator Farooq Mirza authorities recently raided a facility identified as “Ashiana Day Care” (also referred to as “Apna Day Care”). The post claims that following the raid, a Bengali woman named Manara, allegedly a key figure in the purported fraud, was arrested at an airport while attempting to flee the country. Additionally, it alleges that Parvez Siddiqui, described as the “mastermind” and a U.S. citizen running the center, was detained at an airport en route to Japan but released after questioning. Another unnamed day care owner was reportedly stopped at an airport.
The allegations portray these incidents as linked to systematic fraud, where operators supposedly created thousands of fake accounts for elderly Medicaid beneficiaries, billed for unprovided services (including social activities, meals, and health care), and distributed cash kickbacks—often $200–$300 per person—to encourage fraudulent sign-offs. The post specifically highlights involvement of Pakistani and Bengali women, with some proceeds allegedly laundered to Pakistan. It also mentions NGOs in Coney Island—known as “Little Pakistan”—and “dubious women” recruiting vulnerable seniors round-the-clock for accounts yielding daily profits in the thousands.
Mirza’s commentary emphasizes the shock within the Pakistani-American community, noting that such schemes have “destroyed” the U.S. health system by diverting funds from legitimate care for the elderly and disabled. He warns Pakistani women to “exercise caution,” stating that fraudsters are either fleeing the country, moving states, or going underground, but federal agencies like the FBI, NYPD, and health department are “surrounding” them and “not ready to forgive anyone.” The post predicts more arrests, describing an impending “clean sweep.”
These claims reference historical patterns, asserting that over the past decade, numerous Pakistani doctors, pharmacists, and day care operators in New York have faced arrests, with Google searches for “pharmacy fraud” or “day care fraud” often yielding Pakistani names. A prominent prior case cited is that of Zakia Khan, a Brooklyn woman who in August 2025 pleaded guilty to leading a $68 million Medicaid fraud scheme through two Coney Island adult day cares (Happy Family and Family Social). From 2017 to 2024, Khan and associates allegedly paid kickbacks to enroll Medicaid recipients, billed for nonexistent services, and laundered proceeds—resulting in her facing up to 15 years in prison and forfeiture of $5 million. In that verified federal prosecution, 11 co-defendants were involved, some reportedly attempting to flee.
The unverified reports suggest the alleged new actions target a similar “large network” in areas like Coney Island, with Bengali individuals creating fake accounts and Pakistani operators orchestrating broader pharmacy and day care scams ruthlessly looting the health insurance system.
As of now, no official statements from the FBI, U.S. Department of Justice, or New York authorities confirm recent raids on “Ashiana” or “Apna” day cares, nor arrests of Manara or Parvez Siddiqui in connection with fraud. Searches yield no matching public records for these specific December 2025 incidents. Federal efforts against Medicaid fraud in New York have indeed intensified, with the Zakia Khan case highlighting vulnerabilities in adult day care billing, but community-sourced allegations like these often amplify concerns about reputational damage to immigrant groups.
Pakistani-American leaders have previously expressed alarm over such cases, stressing that isolated fraud tarnishes the entire community’s image while most members contribute positively through businesses and cultural centers in “Little Pakistan.”
Developments are anticipated, with calls for verified information amid fears of misinformation. The community remains on edge as federal health care fraud prosecutions continue nationwide.
