Latest news with #Sovereign
News18
a day ago
- Health
- News18
From Failed Psychiatrist To $149-Million Fraud: Indian-Origin Man's Trail Of Scandal In US
Last Updated: Tonmoy Sharma, once a high-profile doctor in the UK, has long courted headlines- first for his research work and then for the ethical and legal storms that followed. Indian-origin doctor Tonmoy Sharma was arrested in the United States for allegedly masterminding a $149-million healthcare fraud. The 58-year-old was taken into custody at Los Angeles International Airport as he was allegedly preparing to flee to Dubai. Tonmoy Sharma, once a high-profile doctor in the UK, has long courted headlines- first for his research work and then for the ethical and legal storms that followed. Tonmoy Sharma first rose to prominence in the 1990s for conducting clinical trials for major pharmaceutical companies in the UK. But his reputation began to unravel in 2001 when concerns were raised about irregularities in a £250,000 study comparing Sanofi's antipsychotic drug Amisulpride with a rival from Eli Lilly. Sanofi launched a private investigation after their medical adviser, Catherine Baxter, flagged discrepancies in Tonmoy Sharma's work. The probe uncovered a series of ethics violations which included fabricated approvals from ethics committees, recruitment of vulnerable patients without proper consent, financial incentives to encourage participation and false academic claims including a non-existent professorship and doctorate. In 2007, after multiple complaints and an investigation by the UK's General Medical Council, Tonmoy Sharma's medical licence was revoked. He was found guilty of serious professional misconduct after which he moved to the United States. Allegations In The US In California, Tonmoy Sharma established Sovereign Health Group, which rapidly grew into a prominent network of addiction treatment centres. Since 2017, Sovereign has been under investigation by the FBI for suspected fraud. In 2018, federal agents raided the group's headquarters in San Clemente, several treatment centres and Tonmoy Sharma's residence in San Juan Capistrano. Though Sovereign shut down that year, Tonmoy Sharma continued operating under a new name- Dana Shores Recovery- using a different license to stay under the radar. According to the federal indictment, Tonmoy Sharma and his associates submitted more than $149 million in fraudulent insurance claims and received at least $21 million in illegal kickbacks for patient referrals. He now faces four counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy, and three counts of receiving illegal remunerations. If convicted, Tonmoy Sharma could face up to 20 years in prison for each wire fraud charge, five years for conspiracy, and 10 years for each kickback-related offense. About the Author Mallika Soni Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: June 05, 2025, 20:53 IST
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Indian-origin pharma tycoon Tonmoy Sharma arrested in Los Angeles over $149 million healthcare fraud
Indian-origin pharma tycoon Tonmoy Sharma arrested in California. Indian-origin doctor and businessman, the founder and former CEO of the now-defunct Sovereign Health Group, was recently arrested over $149 million medical fraud. The 61-year-old psychiatrist has been charged with four counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy and three counts of illegal remunerations for referrals to clinical treatment facilities. What was the medical fraud? What was Sharma's modus operandi? Tonmoy Sharma's Sovereign Health Group was a prominent addiction treatment provider throughout Southern California and several other states. According to court documents, the company billed private insurance companies for drug addicted and mentally ill patients at extremely high rates between 2014 and 2020. Sovereign used to pursue patients aggressively through various forms of marketing forcing them to get admitted to the company's treatment facilities. The patients were told that their treatment would be paid by a foundation funded by the donations from former SDpvereign patients. There was no such actual foundation and it was a ruse for Sovereign employees. They obtained patients' names, date of birth and Social Security numbers and then obtained health insurance coverage on their behalf while the patients remained in the dark. Sovereign employees sometimes pretended to be the patients when calling into these insurance companies. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Dubai villas | search ads Get Deals Undo At Sharma's direction, the court documents said, the employees claimed qualifying life events that had not happened in order to obtain new insurance outside the enrollment period and inflating or underreporting their income so the patients would qualify for Affordable Care Act government-subsidized private insurance instead of Medicaid, whose reimbursement rates were significantly lower than private insurers. Sovereign also paid more than $21 million in illegal kickbacks for patient referrals to patient brokers. Originally from Assam's Dibrugarh, Sharma studied MBBS from Dibrugarh University. Sharma's medical license was once revoked while he was practicing in the UK before he established his career in California.
News18
2 days ago
- Business
- News18
Who Is Tonmoy Sharma? Indian-Origin Pharma Magnate Held In US For $149 Million Healthcare Fraud
Originally from Guwahati, Assam, Sharma built a high-profile career in psychiatry and mental health research after earning his MBBS from Dibrugarh University in 1987. Indian-origin pharma magnate and internationally recognized psychiatrist, Tonmoy Sharma, was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport on May 29 for his alleged role in a massive $149 million healthcare fraud. Sharma, 61, is the founder and former CEO of the now-defunct Sovereign Health Group, a California-based addiction treatment network that once operated multiple facilities across the United States. Originally from Guwahati, Assam, Sharma built a high-profile career in psychiatry and mental health research after earning his MBBS from Dibrugarh University in 1987. He later moved to the US to establish his medical and entrepreneurial career, gaining recognition for his groundbreaking work in schizophrenia and mental illnesses. He also held medical licenses in both India and the United Kingdom, and contributed to over 200 peer-reviewed journal articles and five books. Sharma was indicted by a federal grand jury on eight criminal counts: four counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy, and three counts of illegal remunerations for patient referrals. According to the US Attorney's Office for the Central District of California, his company, Sovereign Health, fraudulently billed more than $149 million to private health insurance companies between 2014 and 2020. The indictment alleges that Sovereign employees, acting under Sharma's direction, used deceptive marketing to lure patients into their facilities. They falsely claimed treatment costs would be covered by a charitable foundation and enrolled patients into insurance plans without their knowledge. The group also billed insurers for unauthorized urinalysis tests, racking up over $29 million in fraudulent claims, and paid over $21 million in illegal kickbacks to secure patient referrals. The investigation into Sovereign Health began in June 2017, leading to FBI raids on the company's treatment centres, its San Clemente headquarters, and Sharma's residence in San Juan Capistrano. The company ultimately shut down operations in 2018. Also arrested was Paul Jin Sen Khor, 45, Sovereign's former cash management and accounts payable supervisor. He has pleaded not guilty, and his trial is scheduled for July 29. Not Just Known For Healthcare Sector Sharma was not only known for his role in the healthcare sector but also for his deep roots in Assam's cultural and intellectual heritage. He is the son of the late Phani Sharma, a prominent theatre personality, filmmaker, and owner of Guwahati's Anuradha Cinema. An expert in brain function, cognition, and behavioral science, Sharma served on multiple editorial boards, peer-reviewed for 15 medical journals, and advised on antipsychotic medications. Despite his respected credentials, his alleged involvement in one of the largest healthcare frauds in US addiction treatment history has sent shockwaves through both the medical and South Asian diaspora communities.
ABC News
27-05-2025
- Business
- ABC News
The King's veiled swipe at Donald Trump
Sabra Lane: King Charles has opened Canada's Parliament. He's the head of state there, like he is here, but it's been the first time in nearly 70 years that the Sovereign's given the opening address. He said democracy, pluralism, the rule of law, self-determination and freedom were values the Canadian government would aim to protect. It's all viewed as criticism of Canada's neighbour, US President Donald Trump, who's repeatedly threatened to annex the country. North America correspondent Lauren Day reports. Lauren Day : With a military band, a horse-drawn carriage and a royal salute, it was a Canadian welcome fit for a king. King Charles: This is my 20th visit to Canada, spread over the course of more than half a century and my first as Sovereign. As I've said before, every time I come to Canada, a little more of Canada seeps into my bloodstream and from there straight to my heart. Lauren Day : But this was no ordinary visit. New Prime Minister Mark Carney invited the monarch to Canada after Donald Trump's repeated threats to make his northern neighbour the 51st state of America. And the speech from the throne, written by the Prime Minister's office, had a clear but subtle message. The country already has a king. King Charles: Today, Canada faces another critical moment. Democracy, pluralism, the rule of law, self-determination and freedom are values which Canadians hold dear and ones which the government is determined to protect. Lauren Day : Amid the diplomatic tensions and escalating trade war with the United States, King Charles spoke about Canadians feeling anxious and worried. King Charles: Yet this moment is also an incredible opportunity. A confident Canada can seize this opportunity by recognising that all Canadians can give themselves far more than any foreign power on any continent can ever take away. And that by staying true to Canadian values, Canada can build new alliances and a new economy that serves all Canadians. Lauren Day : While Canadians are indifferent to the monarchy, the King's speech wasn't necessarily for them or the members of Parliament who sat to hear it. President Trump has been a long-time fan of the royal family and Prime Minister Mark Carney will be hoping that wheeling out the King will put a lid on his escalating rhetoric. Mark Carney: It was a very successful visit, a good reminder of the strength of Canadian institutions. Lauren Day : The monarch closed his speech by quoting the country's national anthem to a standing ovation. King Charles: As the anthem reminds us, the true north is indeed strong and free. Lauren Day : This is Lauren Day in Washington reporting for AM.
CBC
27-05-2025
- Business
- CBC
Read the full throne speech delivered by King Charles
FULL SPEECH | King Charles delivers speech from the throne 2 hours ago Duration 28:24 King Charles delivered the speech from the throne on Tuesday, setting out the Liberal government's agenda for the new Parliament. It was just the third time the monarch delivered Canada's throne speech. Queen Elizabeth II delivered it in 1957 and 1977. You can read the full speech below. The sections the King delivered in French are in italics. Honourable senators, members of the House of Commons, It is with a sense of deep pride and pleasure that my wife and I join you here today, as we witness Canadians coming together in a renewed sense of national pride, unity and hope. I would like to acknowledge that we are gathered on the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg people. This land acknowledgement is a recognition of shared history as a nation. While continuing to deepen my own understanding, it is my great hope that in each of your communities, and collectively as a country, a path is found toward truth and reconciliation, in both word and deed. This is my 20th visit to Canada, spread over the course of more than half a century, and my first as Sovereign. As I have said before, "Every time I come to Canada, a little more of Canada seeps into my bloodstream — and from there straight to my heart." I have always had the greatest admiration for Canada's unique identity, which is recognized across the world for bravery and sacrifice in defence of national values, and for the diversity and kindness of Canadians. To the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples — you have welcomed my family and myself to your traditional lands with great warmth and hospitality, for which I am humbly grateful. This year, we mark the 80th anniversary of V-E Day and V-J Day. On Juno Beach, at Dieppe, on the Somme, at Beaumont-Hamel, at Ypres, and on Vimy Ridge, at those places, and many others, forever etched into our memories, Canadians fought and died alongside our closest allies. Today, I see representatives from every part of Canada — from St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, to Victoria, British Columbia, and Arviat, Nunavut. I see the guardians of the fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed in the Canadian Charter and, as King, I thank you for your service to your fellow Canadians, across the length and breadth of this vast and great nation. You speak for your communities, representing an incredible richness of cultures, languages and perspectives. We owe it to this generation, and those who succeed us, to think and act for the greater good of all. While the world faces unprecedented challenges, generating uncertainties across the continents with regards to peace and stability, economics and climate change, your communities have the skills and determination to bring a wealth of solutions. WATCH | The King's remarks ahead of the throne speech: Hear remarks from King Charles ahead of full throne speech 4 hours ago Duration 5:38 King Charles, who opened the new session of Parliament on Tuesday, made some personal remarks ahead of the official speech, saying he has always had 'the greatest admiration for Canada's unique identity.' By fostering collaboration and engaging in respectful, constructive debates, you will ensure this government is capable of bold and fair action to support Canadians. It has been nearly 70 years since the Sovereign first opened Parliament. In the time since, Canada has dramatically changed: repatriating its Constitution, achieving full independence and witnessing immense growth. Canada has embraced its British, French and Indigenous roots, and become a bold, ambitious, innovative country that is bilingual, truly multicultural and committed to reconciliation. The Crown has for so long been a symbol of unity for Canada. It also represents stability and continuity from the past to the present. As it should, it stands proudly as a symbol of Canada today, in all her richness and dynamism. Opening When my dear late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, opened a new Canadian Parliament in 1957, the Second World War remained a fresh, painful memory. The Cold War was intensifying. Freedom and democracy were under threat. Canada was emerging as a growing economic power and a force for peace in the world. In the decades since, history has been punctuated by epoch-making events: the Vietnam War, the fall of the Berlin Wall and the start of the war on terror. Today, Canada faces another critical moment. Democracy, pluralism, the rule of law, self-determination and freedom are values which Canadians hold dear, and ones which the government is determined to protect. The system of open global trade that, while not perfect, has helped to deliver prosperity for Canadians for decades, is changing. Canada's relationships with partners are also changing. We must be clear-eyed: the world is a more dangerous and uncertain place than at any point since the Second World War. Canada is facing challenges that are unprecedented in our lifetimes. WATCH | Charles on a changing world: King Charles reflects on his mother and a changing world 3 hours ago Duration 1:06 Many Canadians are feeling anxious and worried about the drastically changing world around them. Fundamental change is always unsettling. Yet this moment is also an incredible opportunity. An opportunity for renewal. An opportunity to think big and to act bigger. An opportunity for Canada to embark on the largest transformation of its economy since the Second World War. A confident Canada, which has welcomed new Canadians, including from some of the most tragic global conflict zones, can seize this opportunity by recognizing that all Canadians can give themselves far more than any foreign power on any continent can ever take away. And that by staying true to Canadian values, Canada can build new alliances and a new economy that serves all Canadians. Building new relationships with the United States and the world The prime minister and the president of the United States, for example, have begun defining a new economic and security relationship between Canada and the U.S., rooted in mutual respect and founded on common interests, to deliver transformational benefits for both sovereign nations. In parallel, the government is working to strengthen its relationships with reliable trading partners and allies around the world, recognizing that Canada has what the world needs and the values the world respects. Canada is ready to build a coalition of like-minded countries that share its values, that believe in international co-operation and the free and open exchange of goods, services and ideas. In this new, fast-evolving world, Canada is ready to lead. This will be demonstrated in June, when Canada convenes the G7 summit. Building a more affordable Canada The government is guided by its conviction that the economy is only truly strong when it serves everyone. Many Canadians are struggling to get ahead. The government is responding, reducing middle-class taxes and saving two-income families up to $840 a year. It will cut the GST on homes at or under $1 million for first-time homebuyers, delivering savings of up to $50,000. And it will lower the GST on homes between $1 million and $1.5 million. The government will protect the programs that are already saving families thousands of dollars every year. These include child care and pharmacare. In addition to these, the government has recently expanded the Canadian Dental Care Plan to cover about eight million Canadians, saving the average person more than $800 per year. Building a stronger Canada The government's overarching goal — its core mission — is to build the strongest economy in the G7. That starts with creating one Canadian economy out of 13. Internal barriers to trade and labour mobility cost Canada as much as $200 billion each year. The government will introduce legislation to remove all remaining federal barriers to internal trade and labour mobility by Canada Day. Numerous premiers have already taken vital steps to break down provincial and territorial barriers to trade. Together, we will build on that progress to deliver free trade across the nation by Canada Day. This is critical to unlocking Canada's full economic potential, but it's not enough. To build Canada strong, the government is working closely with provinces, territories and Indigenous Peoples to identify and catalyze projects of national significance. Projects that will connect Canada, that will deepen Canada's ties with the world and that will create high-paying jobs for generations. WATCH | The true north is 'strong and free': 'The true north is, indeed, strong and free,' says King Charles in throne speech 3 hours ago Duration 1:32 Given the pace of change and the scale of opportunities, speed is of the essence. Through the creation of a new Major Federal Project Office, the time needed to approve a project will be reduced from five years to two, all while upholding Canada's world-leading environmental standards and its constitutional obligations to Indigenous Peoples. The government will also strike co-operation agreements with every interested province and territory within six months to realize its goal of "one project, one review." When Canadians come together, Canada builds things that last. By removing these barriers that have held back our economy, we will unleash a new era of growth that will ensure we don't just survive ongoing trade wars, but emerge from them stronger than ever. It will enable Canada to become the world's leading energy superpower in both clean and conventional energy. To build an industrial strategy that will make Canada more globally competitive, while fighting climate change. To build hundreds of thousands of good careers in the skilled trades. And to build Canada into the world's leading hub for science and innovation. Critically, the government will undertake a series of measures to help double the rate of homebuilding while creating an entirely new housing industry — using Canadian technology, Canadian skilled workers and Canadian lumber. The government will introduce measures to deliver affordable homes by creating Build Canada Homes. This mission-driven organization will act to accelerate the development of new affordable housing. It will invest in the growth of the prefabricated and modular housing industry. And it will provide significant financing to affordable homebuilders. The government will make the housing market work better, including by cutting municipal development charges in half for all multi-unit housing. The government will drive supply up to bring housing costs down. Building a safer and more secure Canada To be truly strong, Canada must be secure. To that end, the government will introduce legislation to enhance security at Canada's borders. Law enforcement and intelligence agencies will have new tools to stop the flow of fentanyl and its precursors. The Canada Border Services Agency will be given new powers to examine goods destined for export, to prevent the transport of illegal and stolen products, including cars. The government will protect Canada's sovereignty by rebuilding, rearming and reinvesting in the Canadian Armed Forces. It will boost Canada's defence industry by joining ReArm Europe, to invest in transatlantic security with Canada's European partners. And it will invest to strengthen its presence in the North, which is an integral part of Canada, as this region faces new threats. The government will discharge its duty to protect Canadians and their sovereign rights, from wherever challenges may come at home or abroad. To keep communities safe, the government will hire 1,000 more RCMP personnel. It will change firearms licensing and strengthen enforcement of yellow and red flag laws. Weapons licences for those convicted of intimate partner violence and those subject to protection orders will be revoked. Through the deployment of scanners, drones and helicopters, additional personnel and K-9 teams, the government will stem the tide of illegal guns and drugs across the border. It will take these steps while protecting the rights of law-abiding gun owners and Indigenous Peoples' longstanding hunting traditions. The government will bring a renewed focus on car theft and home invasions by toughening the Criminal Code to make bail harder to get for repeat offenders charged with committing these crimes, along with human trafficking and drug smuggling. Building a united Canada During this time of great change, Canadians are uniting behind what makes Canada unique. The French language and the Quebec culture are at the heart of the Canadian identity. They define the country that Canadians and I love so much. Canada is a country that respects and celebrates its official languages and Indigenous languages. The government is determined to protect the institutions that bring these cultures and this identity to the world, like CBC/Radio-Canada. It will protect the people who give us access to fresh, healthy and quality food: agricultural producers. And it will protect supply management. Nature is core to Canada's identity. In 2022, Canada convened COP15 in Montreal, which concluded with 196 countries striking a historic agreement to protect 30 per cent of their lands and 30 per cent of waters by 2030. To this end, the government will protect more of Canada's nature than ever before through the creation of new national parks, national urban parks, marine protected areas and other conservation initiatives. The government will always protect the rights and freedoms that the Charter guarantees for every Canadian. The government will be a reliable partner to Indigenous Peoples, upholding its fundamental commitment to advancing reconciliation. Central to this commitment is the creation of long-term wealth and prosperity with Indigenous Peoples. For that reason, the government will double the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program from $5 billion to $10 billion — enabling more Indigenous communities to become owners of major projects. As Canada moves forward with nation-building projects, the government will always be firmly guided by the principle of free, prior and informed consent. Canada's immigration system has long been a source of pride for Canadians and of dynamism for the economy. The government is dedicated to rebuilding the trust of Canadians in immigration by restoring balance to the system. The government will cap the total number of temporary foreign workers and international students to less than five per cent of Canada's population by 2027. By doing this, the government will attract the best talent in the world to build our economy, while sending a clear message to Canadians working abroad that there is no better time to come home. Building Canada strong by spending less and investing more In all of its actions, the government will be guided by a new fiscal discipline: spend less so Canadians can invest more. Day-to-day government spending — the government's operating budget — has been growing by nine per cent every year. The government will introduce measures to bring it below two per cent. Transfers to provinces, territories or individuals will be maintained. The government will balance its operating budget over the next three years by cutting waste, capping the public service, ending duplication and deploying technology to improve public sector productivity. In parallel, the government will take a series of measures to catalyze new investment to create better jobs and higher incomes for Canadians. The scale of the government's initiative will match the challenges of our times and the ambitions of Canadians. Conclusion Honourable senators, members of the House of Commons, When my dear late mother addressed your predecessors seven decades ago, she said that in that age, and against the backdrop of international affairs, no nation could live unto itself. It is a source of great pride that, in the following decades, Canada has continued to set an example to the world in her conduct and values, as a force for good. I wish to express to you and to the people of Canada my heartfelt gratitude, and that of my wife, for the warmth of the welcome which we have received. As the anthem reminds us: The True North is indeed strong and free! Members of the House of Commons, you will be asked to appropriate the funds to carry out the services and expenditures authorized by Parliament. May you honour the profound trust bestowed upon you by Canadians, and may God bless and guide you in all your duties.
