A Minnesota man accused of taking part in a massive Medicaid fraud scheme will remain behind bars after a federal judge ruled he could be a flight risk.
Muhammad Omar, 32, of Roseville, appeared in court Wednesday for a detention hearing tied to allegations that he and several others fraudulently obtained millions of dollars from state-funded healthcare programs.
Federal prosecutors claim Omar and his alleged business partner, Ibrahim Abdi, improperly received more than $3.2 million through Minnesota’s Housing and Stabilization Services program. Investigators allege the pair submitted false claims for healthcare-related services that were never provided at two facilities in the Twin Cities area.
According to court filings, prosecutors say some of the billing claims continued for months even after one listed recipient had died.
The case is part of a much larger investigation involving 15 defendants accused of participating in schemes that allegedly drained more than $90 million from multiple Medicaid-related programs across Minnesota.
Omar drew national attention after authorities said he attempted to avoid arrest by jumping from a fourth-floor balcony during an FBI operation. Investigators later took him into custody several hours afterward.
He arrived at Wednesday’s hearing in a wheelchair. His attorney told the court he suffered a broken leg during the incident and requested his release on a signature bond with monitoring conditions.
Federal prosecutors opposed the request, arguing Omar could attempt to leave the country if released. They also referenced allegations that Medicaid funds may have been used to purchase property overseas.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the judge ordered Omar to remain detained while the case moves forward in federal court.
Officials say the alleged fraud operation involved seven different state-managed Medicaid programs. Minnesota’s Housing and Stabilization Services program was shut down last year following concerns about widespread abuse and fraudulent activity.
The investigation remains ongoing, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
