Federal agents and law enforcement partners are engaging in operations across Queens, Staten Island and Brooklyn Tuesday, the FBI said.
Federal law enforcement sources tell CBS News New York the operations are related to alleged healthcare fraud.
Video from one storefront at Eighth Avenue near 41st Street in Brooklyn shows at least eight people wearing law enforcement apparel. Some of the footage shows agents wearing jackets that say “HSI,” which is the Department of Homeland Security Investigations.
HSI confirmed its agents were participating in “court-authorized law enforcement actions in parts of New York City pursuant to ongoing criminal investigations.”
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Gov. Kathy Hochul discussed the operation.
“I want to acknowledge another massive effort to combat fraud and abuse, this time in the Medicaid program. This morning, the New York State Department of Health and the Office of Medicaid Inspector General joined state and federal law enforcement agencies in a coordinated crackdown of suspected fraud and social adult daycare programs. This is an active investigation, so there’s limits to what I can share today, but I can tell you this has been a months-long investigation in close partnership with the federal government,” Hochul said. “We’re targeting providers we believe who engage in illegal activity, ranging from money laundering, to kickbacks, to improper billing and other fraudulent activities.”
“New York has zero tolerance for anyone who steals from taxpayers because every dollar lost to fraud is a dollar that should be used to help New Yorkers to get care and services they desperately need. So my message to anyone looking to cheat the system, we will find you, we’ll prosecute you and we’ll hold you accountable,” Hochul added.
A law enforcement source confirms a second location they’re investigating in in Borough Park at Fort Hamilton Parkway and 51st Street.
CBS News New York has reached out to City Hall and other agencies for comment. CBS News New York has also reached out to the business listed at the address of the activity, but calls have gone straight to voicemail.
This is a developing story. Check back soon for more information.
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