October 29, 2025 | SIBTF.org — Federal authorities have confirmed that the case involving Dr. Kevin Tien Do — the Pasadena physician accused of defrauding California’s Subsequent Injuries Benefits Trust Fund (SIBTF) of more than $3 million — remains under active investigation. The update follows Do’s earlier plea agreement and recent disclosures linking the fraud to a wider network of medical and legal professionals.
Federal Oversight Tightens Following SIBTF Fraud Admissions
In January 2025, Dr. Kevin Tien Do agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy and tax-related charges after admitting to helping orchestrate fraudulent billing through Liberty Medical Group Inc., a Rancho Cucamonga-based clinic. Despite being suspended from California’s workers’ compensation program, Do continued preparing SIBTF-related reports under false physician identities.
Recent filings confirm that federal prosecutors are expanding their review of financial transfers connected to the clinic’s ownership structure. A co-conspirator — a California attorney who later became an Orange County Superior Court judge — remains under scrutiny for his role in authorizing bank transactions and diverting funds to shell companies.
SIBTF’s Integrity at Stake
The SIBTF exists to support workers who sustain new injuries on top of prior disabilities. Fraudulent claims targeting the Fund not only drain public resources but also delay legitimate payments to injured Californians.
Legal analysts note that this case underscores the importance of credential verification, independent medical evaluation oversight, and data-driven audits within SIBTF claims processing. The Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) and Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) are expected to issue further compliance guidance as investigations unfold.
How the DOJ and State Agencies Are Responding
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the ongoing investigation involves collaboration between the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, and the California Department of Insurance. Authorities emphasize that similar SIBTF-related schemes may be subject to renewed enforcement under federal mail-fraud statutes.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles E. Pell and Ryan J. Waters continue to oversee the prosecution. Dr. Kevin Tien Do faces potential sentences of up to 20 years for mail fraud and three years for tax fraud when formal sentencing is scheduled later this year.
Why This Case Matters for SIBTF Stakeholders
The Kevin Tien Do SIBTF fraud case highlights systemic risks within workers’ compensation reporting chains. It also signals increased inter-agency vigilance. For practitioners, the message is clear: all SIBTF submissions must meet evidentiary standards under Labor Code § 4753, and any attempt to manipulate report authorship or billing data can trigger criminal liability.
Stakeholders — including physicians, attorneys, and claims administrators — are encouraged to review internal compliance protocols and ensure all report contributors are properly licensed and disclosed.
For official details, visit the U.S. Department of Justice press release.
Stay informed — Subscribe to SIBTF.org for updates on federal enforcement actions, fraud prevention strategies, and compliance reforms shaping California’s workers’ compensation landscape.
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FAQs: Kevin Tien Do SIBTF Fraud Case
What is the Kevin Tien Do SIBTF fraud case about?
Dr. Kevin Tien Do, a Pasadena physician, admitted to conspiring with a California attorney to defraud the Subsequent Injuries Benefits Trust Fund (SIBTF) by submitting falsified medical-legal reports between 2018 and 2023.
Who else is under investigation?
Federal filings reference a co-conspirator — a former attorney who became an Orange County Superior Court judge — suspected of directing financial operations for Liberty Medical Group Inc.
What penalties could result from this case?
Dr. Do faces up to 20 years in prison for mail fraud and 3 years for tax fraud. The court may also impose restitution and professional disqualification.
How can SIBTF prevent similar fraud?
Enhanced provider vetting, transparent billing, and DWC-approved audit systems are key to preventing recurrence. Stakeholders should verify every report author’s eligibility and licensure.
What is SIBTF?
The Subsequent Injuries Benefits Trust Fund (SIBTF) helps California workers who suffer a new workplace injury and already had a prior disability. It offers supplemental compensation when combined impairments severely limit earning capacity.