400 PERSONS CHARGED IN HEALTH CARE FRAUD TAKEDOWN

Federal authorities announced charges Thursday against 412 physicians, nurses, pharmacists and other medical professionals, in what Attorney General Jeff Sessions called the largest health care fraud enforcement operation in U. S. history.

Sessions said suspects accounted for more than $ 1.3 billion in fraudulent transactions across more than 20 states, and at least 120 people were charged for their alleged roles in over- prescribing and distributing opioids, making it also the largest- ever opioid- related fraud takedown.

Of the 412 charged in the yearlong operation, 56 were physicians.