Washington, D.C. — In a significant advancement against international fraud, the U.S. Department of Justice announced that Panamanian surgeon Dr. Rolando Chin has pleaded guilty to criminal fraud charges connected to a large-scale scheme targeting the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The case, which centered on false claims submitted through the VA’s Foreign Medical Program (FMP), is expected to save the U.S. government an estimated $25 million in Fiscal Year 2025 alone.
The Foreign Medical Program provides medical care for U.S. veterans living abroad. However, a joint investigation by the Department of Justice, Department of State, and the VA uncovered a widespread pattern of fraud in Panama involving doctors, pharmacies, corporations, and even a hospital. Investigators found that false and inflated claims were submitted for services never rendered, medications never dispensed, and deceptive billing practices.
Dr. Chin is the first among nearly 40 defendants named in a 2022 U.S. criminal complaint to enter a guilty plea. The complaint, submitted to Panama’s Public Ministry, accused numerous Panamanian entities and individuals of aggravated fraud and money laundering. Dr. Chin’s plea also resulted in a restitution agreement with the United States.
“Protecting American Taxpayers—At Home and Abroad”
“The Department is committed to combating fraud against the United States wherever such conduct occurs,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Yaakov Roth of the DOJ’s Civil Division. “Our efforts in this case have not only recovered funds on behalf of the American taxpayers, but have also prevented significant future losses.”
U.S. officials expressed appreciation for the strong cooperation from Panamanian authorities, who brought formal charges in August 2023 and are continuing to pursue additional prosecutions.
In response to the investigation, the VA implemented a government-wide suspension of the accused parties in August 2024, effectively halting their ability to bill the FMP. That move alone is projected to halve the VA’s medical expenditures in Panama for Fiscal Year 2025, down from the previous year—a direct savings of nearly $25 million.
Ongoing International Collaboration
The case is being handled by the DOJ’s Office of Foreign Litigation (OFL) in close coordination with the VA Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Department of State, and Panamanian prosecutors.
“This is a powerful example of international collaboration leading to meaningful justice and financial recovery,” said Christine Brennan, OFL’s Attorney-in-Charge of Latin American Litigation, who is managing the case alongside Assistant Director Kiesha Minyard.
The case continues to evolve as prosecutors in Panama pursue criminal proceedings against the remaining defendants.
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