Federal prosecutors have charged a Las Vegas-based nurse with leading a large-scale healthcare fraud scheme that allegedly generated more than $900 million in fraudulent billings, according to court records. The case centers on Marizel Yukee, who authorities say targeted elderly and terminally ill patients while funding a lavish lifestyle that included luxury vehicles and overseas real estate.
Yukee, once publicly recognized as an influential Filipino professional, is now facing multiple federal charges tied to Medicare and TRICARE billing practices that investigators describe as medically unnecessary and financially exploitative.
Charges
According to a federal indictment, Yukee is accused of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and healthcare fraud, conspiracy to pay and receive illegal healthcare kickbacks, and money laundering. Prosecutors allege the scheme operated from October 2023 through April 2026.
In a statement included with the indictment, prosecutors said Yukee and her co-conspirators focused on elderly Medicare beneficiaries, including patients in hospice care, and caused medically unnecessary amniotic wound allografts to be applied.
The indictment alleges that Yukee paid illegal kickbacks to induce patient referrals and also received kickbacks from allograft distributors in exchange for purchasing products billed to federal healthcare programs.
Billings
Court documents state that Yukee and her associates submitted more than $906 million in claims for allografts and related services during the alleged scheme. Based on those claims, Medicare and TRICARE paid nearly $300 million.
Investigators said Yukee owned and operated four wound-care clinics located in Texas, Nevada, California, and Hawaii. According to prosecutors, the clinics billed an average of more than $1 million per patient.
The indictment claims the treatments were medically unreasonable because conservative wound care was not properly attempted, completed, or confirmed before applying the allografts.
Patients
Prosecutors allege that some patients who received the treatments were terminally ill and in hospice care. Court documents state that several patients died within days of receiving the allografts.
The indictment further claims that Yukee altered or helped alter medical records to make it appear that the procedures were medically necessary and compliant with Medicare requirements. Authorities allege those records were later used during Medicare audits.
Assets
Investigators say the alleged fraud generated tens of millions of dollars in personal income for Yukee. Court filings and reports from social media accounts such as @LasVegasLocally allege she purchased a $594,000 Ferrari, luxury jewelry valued at about $2 million, a million-dollar home in Hawaii, and a $4.6 million beach resort in the Philippines.
Federal officers reportedly seized $467,000 in cash, eight vehicles, and multiple properties as part of the investigation.
Background
Yukee had previously been featured in international media as one of the world’s most influential Filipinos, according to reporting cited by Bilyonaryo. That public recognition has drawn additional attention to the case, though prosecutors emphasize the charges remain allegations that will be tested in court.
Status
Yukee has not been convicted, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty. The case remains pending in federal court, and additional details are expected as proceedings continue.
FAQs
Who is Marizel Yukee?
A Las Vegas-based nurse charged in a federal fraud case.
How much fraud is alleged?
Prosecutors allege more than $900 million in billings.
Which programs were affected?
Medicare and TRICARE, according to court documents.
What assets were seized?
Cash, vehicles, jewelry, and multiple properties.
Has she been convicted?
No. The case is pending in federal court.
