Federal and state agencies raid two Minnesota autism service providers in Medicaid fraud probe

Federal and state investigators carried out raids on two Twin Cities autism service providers on Thursday, targeting Iska Inc. in St. Louis Park and Bright Horizon Therapy Center in Edina. Both companies, which are licensed to deliver autism services, are under investigation for suspected fraud, according to the Minnesota Attorney General’s office.

The operation involved the FBI, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, U.S. Postal Inspectors, IRS criminal investigators, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the Minnesota Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. Federal officials described the raids as "court-authorized investigative activity" but did not provide further details.

Records obtained by the local news outlet show Iska was disenrolled from the state Medicaid program during a revalidation effort in May after a failed site visit, and the business had not appealed the decision as of early June.

"The Minnesota Department of Human Services is tracking today’s state and federal law enforcement activity. Collaboration between local, state and federal authorities is essential to fighting fraud and stopping criminal schemes. When we see evidence of fraud, we shut off money and refer suspected criminals to law enforcement. We are thankful to see criminals being held accountable," the department said.