Detroit City Wire

A pharmacist from Dearborn Heights has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for her involvement in a scheme that defrauded healthcare insurers. Zeinab Makki, 61, was found guilty of submitting false claims to Medicare, Medicaid, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan for medications that were never dispensed. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison.

Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of the FBI’s Detroit Division and Mario M. Pinto, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Region of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, joined Ison in making the announcement.

In addition to her prison sentence, Makki has been ordered by United States District Judge Nancy G. Edmunds to pay $6.9 million in restitution and faces a forfeiture judgment of the same amount.

Court records indicate that Makki was responsible for operations at New Millennium Drugs and Western Wayne Pharmacy from 2001 through 2021. During this time, she admitted to leading a scheme where claims were submitted for pharmaceuticals not actually purchased by these pharmacies.

“Fraud by health care professionals will be aggressively pursued by our office,” stated U.S. Attorney Ison. “We hope that prosecutions like this one will deter health care professionals from stealing money from those who genuinely need it to order to line their own pockets.”

Mario M. Pinto emphasized the importance of accountability: “This sentencing underscores our commitment to holding those who defraud Federal health care programs accountable.” He added that his agency remains committed to working with law enforcement partners on fraud investigations.

Cheyvoryea Gibson highlighted the impact of false medical claims: “False medical claims divert much needed funding away from patients in need of life-saving services and Ms. Makki will serve her sentence for orchestrating and participating in this scheme.” He noted the FBI's dedication alongside law enforcement partners to pursue justice against fraudulent activities.

The investigation involved Special Agents from HHS and FBI, with assistance from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Philip A. Ross is prosecuting the case, while Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Nathan handles related asset forfeiture matters.