US authorities arrest Nigerian CEO Cashmir Chinedu Luke for alleged $7m VA fraud

US Authorities Arrest Nigerian CEO Cashmir Chinedu Luke for Alleged $7m VA Fraud

The CEO of a United States-based home care company, Cashmir Chinedu Luke, has been arrested by American authorities for allegedly defrauding the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) of more than $7 million.

According to a statement released by the U.S. Department of Justice, Luke was arrested on Wednesday at the San Francisco International Airport while attempting to board a flight to Nigeria.

Court documents indicate that between December 2019 and July 2024, the 66-year-old operated Four Corners Health LLC, a Fresno-based company that provided unskilled in-home care services to elderly veterans under the Veterans Community Care Program. The company reportedly served clients in Fresno, Tulare, Merced, Mariposa, Madera, San Francisco, and Contra Costa counties.

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Prosecutors allege that Luke orchestrated a five-year scheme involving 10,000 false claims, billing the VA for services not rendered — including hours not worked by caregivers, duplicate claims, days when caregivers were absent, and even care for veterans who were already dead.

As the sole owner and billing representative, Luke allegedly deceived the VA’s third-party benefits administrator, enabling the fraudulent scheme to continue and allowing him to personally profit. Authorities say he spent the funds on lavish personal expenses and transferred large sums through a network of bank accounts across Asia and Africa.

The investigation was led by the U.S. Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, while Assistant U.S. Attorney Calvin Lee is prosecuting the case.

If convicted, Luke faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, though sentencing will depend on federal guidelines and judicial discretion.

The DOJ emphasized that the charges remain allegations, and Luke is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

US Authorities Arrest Nigerian CEO Cashmir Chinedu Luke for Alleged $7m VA Fraud