Physician Admits: A California physician, Kevin Tien Do, has pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the Subsequent Injuries Benefits Trust Fund (SIBTF) of millions of dollars. Despite being suspended in 2018 for a previous fraud conviction, Do continued to author medical reports for Liberty Medical Group, which fraudulently submitted them to the SIBTF. The scheme resulted in over $3 million in fraudulent claims.
The Fraud Scheme Uncovered
Do worked for Liberty Medical Group after his 2018 suspension, continuing to draft SIBTF-related medical reports. Liberty Medical Group then submitted these reports to the California SIBTF, listing other doctors’ names to conceal Do’s involvement. Do admitted the fraudulent claims were paid by the SIBTF, with Liberty receiving more than $3 million. The scheme also involved significant tax fraud, with Do failing to report a portion of the income received.
Co-Conspirator: An Orange County Judge
The scheme’s co-conspirator was revealed to be Israel Claustro, an attorney who later became an Orange County Superior Court judge. Claustro served as the actual owner of Liberty Medical Group, despite not being a licensed medical professional. Do and Claustro worked together to conceal the fraudulent activities and misappropriate SIBTF funds. The investigation has raised questions about the integrity of both the medical and judicial professions. Physician Admits
Next Steps in the Investigation
Do’s guilty plea sets the stage for his sentencing, with a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. The FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, and California Department of Insurance are actively investigating the case.
Stay Informed on SIBTF Issues
For more information on the latest developments regarding the Subsequent Injuries Benefits Trust Fund, stay updated through SIBTF.org. We provide essential news and updates that help ensure compliance and transparency in the workers’ compensation system.
Related Articles from SIBTF.org:
- Doctor Pleads Guilty to Writing SIBTF Reports After Suspension
- California Employers Face Mounting SIBTF Liabilities
- California’s Subsequent Injuries Benefits Trust Fund
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