DALLAS, TX – A North Texas man has been sentenced to a decade in federal prison for orchestrating a healthcare fraud scheme that netted tens of millions of dollars. Ivar Jaliyah, a 37-year-old pharmacy owner from Dallas, was convicted of submitting false claims to insurance companies, using the illicit profits to fund a lavish lifestyle and pursue a career in Hollywood.
Jaliyah, who once aspired to be a director and screenwriter, is listed as a writer for the 2019 film “Grand Isle,” starring Nicolas Cage. However, his Hollywood dreams have been overshadowed by his criminal activities. Federal prosecutors revealed that Jaliyah, along with his co-conspirator Shannon Turley, filed fraudulent claims totaling at least $46 million, of which $41 million was reimbursed by insurance companies.
The ill-gotten gains were used to purchase land, luxury cars, and other high-end items. Jaliyah’s former neighbor noted the frequent appearance of high-end vehicles at his far North Dallas residence, raising suspicions about the source of his wealth.
Court documents disclosed that Jaliyah and his accomplice operated nine pharmacies across Texas. They paid marketers for access to insured patients’ personal information, often without the patients’ knowledge. In some cases, patients were aware and received a fee for their data. Additionally, the duo paid doctors to illegitimately approve prescription forms, further fueling their fraudulent scheme.
The investigation led to ten additional defendants pleading guilty for their involvement in the operation. Richard Roper, a former U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, commented on the increasing prevalence of such insurance scams, highlighting the substantial amount involved in this particular case.
“This isn’t how they initially plan to do business,” Roper said, referring to the perpetrators. “Something changes along the way, leading them down a path of fraud.”
The case underscores the growing concern over healthcare fraud and its impact on the industry. As authorities continue to crack down on such schemes, the hope is to deter future criminal activities and protect the integrity of the healthcare system.