A Somali diplomat serving at the United Nations has been identified in a United States federal investigation into alleged Medicaid fraud, according to court documents unsealed in Ohio.
Abukar Dahir Osman, who holds the position of Deputy Permanent Representative of Somalia to the UN, is linked to a scheme that prosecutors claim submitted false and inflated billing to Ohio’s Medicaid program. The allegations center on home health care services that were reportedly never provided to patients or were not medically necessary.
Investigators with the Ohio Medicaid Fraud Control Unit allege that Osman was connected to several home health agencies that collectively billed more than $2.5 million in fraudulent claims over multiple years. Some patients listed in the claims were reportedly unaware that services had been billed in their names.
The court filings do not specify whether Osman is currently facing criminal charges directly, but they describe his role as an owner or operator of the entities involved. Several other individuals associated with the case have already been arrested or entered guilty pleas.
Osman’s diplomatic role in New York has raised procedural questions regarding legal immunity. Legal observers note that diplomatic immunity generally applies only to official acts performed in the course of one’s duties. Private business activities, including alleged financial crimes, are typically not protected.
As of this reporting, the Somali government has not released an official response. The United Nations Secretariat has stated it is aware of the matter but declined further comment due to the ongoing legal process.
