In a turn of events that can only be described as a caper out of a crime movie, Orien Sachar managed to slide past numerous ethical and legal boundaries in a fraud scheme that allegedly pocketed a whopping $27 million. Now, thankfully, that chapter seems to be closing, as federal authorities have finally put the cuffs on Sachar in Los Angeles. To add a dash of unintentional comedy to the saga, it appears Sachar managed to live quite lavishly off his ill-gotten gains, even going as far as purchasing a Rolls-Royce Phantom. Because what better way to keep a low profile when you’re siphoning off taxpayer money than driving around in a luxury car?
The federal allegations paint a vivid picture of Sachar’s brazen antics, suggesting his modus operandi involved preying on vulnerable individuals who were in no need of hospice care. The grift didn’t stop there; he also billed the government for people who had already passed away, effectively double-dipping in equal parts callousness and creativity. One could say Sachar had a morbid sense of resourcefulness–allegedly turning cemeteries into his own version of a financial goldmine.
Our protagonist operated multiple fraudulent hospices, one ironically named Holy Trinity. Perhaps the title was meant to imply divine intervention on behalf of his accounts. The scheme involved billing Medicare up to $33,000 per patient annually, using names and personal data of deceased individuals who had never set foot in his facilities. It’s a con game for the ages, but as they say, all good things—or in this case, illegal escapades—must come to an end.
Of course, Shakespeare once said, “All the world’s a stage,” and Sachar didn’t undertake his star role solo. Prosecutors charged him alongside helpful accomplices, including Abraham Shin and Genie Choi. Shin allegedly played the role of connection maestro, effectively linking Sachar with Choi, a mortuary manager who evidently saw more than just mourning as a business opportunity. In exchange for that magical medium of cash, Choi allegedly provided names of the recently deceased, fueling Sachar’s operation and adding another layer of incredulity to an already outlandish plot.
Now, it’s showtime for the justice system, with Sachar and his cohorts on a different kind of stage—facing significant prison time. This tale serves as a costly reminder of the importance of vigilance and the consequences of unchecked avarice. While often we sit on the sidelines and throw our hands up in disbelief at the audacity of such schemes, there is a peculiar satisfaction in knowing that, finally, the jig is up.
