Federal authorities charge 15 in massive $1.8B Southern California medical fraud sweep

Federal authorities conducted predawn raids across Southern California on Thursday, busting suspected fraudsters, including a cardiothoracic surgeon, accused of stealing nearly $2 billion through sham substance abuse programs, unnecessary surgeries and phony hospice care.

In total, 15 people, including six medical professionals, were charged over $1. 8 billion in fraudulent claims submitted to government and private health insurance programs, the Justice Department said.

"These charges...