Cardiologist arrested in Luxembourg for suspected social security fraud
A cardiologist has been held in detention in Luxembourg following raids on three medical practices. The CNS suspects massive irregularities in the billing of cardiology procedures.
Detention of cardiologist suspected of social security fraud
A cardiologist practising in Luxembourg has been arrested and remanded in custody as part of an investigation into alleged fraud against the Caisse nationale de santé (CNS), according to Virgule. Raids were carried out simultaneously at his home and at three medical practices located in Luxembourg-City, Sanem and Schifflange.
The investigation concerns facts that could be classified as incitement to illegal practice of medicine, subsidy fraud, insurance fraud, money laundering and possession, as well as forgery and use of forgery. In its complaint, the CNS relies on statistical data comparing the doctor's activity to that of his peers. It describes an activity "atypical in volume", working days "exceeding the realm of possibility" and figures described as "outliers", meaning aberrant in relation to values observed in the profession.
An investigation conducted among sixteen insured persons further revealed that certain procedures requiring resuscitation equipment could have been carried out by secretaries alone, without the cardiologist's intervention.
The initial investigative measures were initiated on Tuesday morning. Following his arrest, the doctor was brought before an investigating judge who, following the interrogation, issued a remand in custody order, which remains in effect at this stage.
Verifications are continuing, in particular regarding the activity of practices opened successively in 2022, 2023 and 2024, as well as the evolution of the doctor's turnover, which investigators consider to be particularly significant.
The Public Prosecutor's Office recalled that the social security system is founded on a relationship of trust between patients, service providers, social security bodies and public authorities. When serious evidence suggests practices likely to undermine this fundamental principle, the judicial authorities are obliged to verify its veracity and draw the consequences provided for by law.
Source: Virgule