Federal law‑enforcement officers conducted coordinated searches of several adult day care facilities in New York City on Tuesday, targeting suspected Medicaid fraud. The operation spanned Brooklyn’s Borough Park neighborhood, Queens and Staten Island, according to a statement from the FBI’s New York field office.

Locations and Scope of the Searches

Investigators were observed entering the Happy Adult Day Care Center on Fort Hamilton Parkway in Borough Park, Brooklyn. Eyewitness News reported that additional warrants were executed at other adult day care businesses in Queens and Staten Island, though the specific sites were not disclosed.

State Officials Respond

Governor Kathy Hochul confirmed that her administration is pursuing “suspected fraud in social adult day care programs.” She emphasized that the focus is on providers believed to be involved in illegal activity, ranging from money laundering and kickbacks to improper billing and other fraudulent conduct.

“We are targeting providers who we believe engaged in illegal activity, ranging from money laundering to kickbacks, to improper billing and other fraudulent activities,” Governor Hochul said.

FBI Statement

The FBI released a brief statement: “FBI New York, along with multiple other law‑enforcement agencies are conducting law‑enforcement activity in the area of Queens, Staten Island, Brooklyn, and other locations around New York City in connection with ongoing federal investigations.” The agency did not provide further details about the number of individuals or entities under investigation.

Implications for Medicaid Recipients

Medicaid fraud in adult day care programs can undermine the quality of care for vulnerable seniors and adults with disabilities, while siphoning taxpayer dollars meant for essential services. State officials have warned that any provider found to be abusing the system could face civil penalties, criminal charges, and loss of Medicaid eligibility.

Community Concerns

Local families who rely on adult day care services expressed concern over the investigations, urging authorities to protect legitimate providers while rooting out fraud. “We want to make sure the people who truly need these services can get them safely,” said one parent who asked to remain anonymous.

Next Steps

The investigations are ongoing, and additional warrants may be issued as authorities continue to examine billing records and financial transactions. Both state and federal agencies have pledged to work together to ensure that Medicaid funds are used appropriately and that any wrongdoing is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.