Fraudsters issued EUR 6.7 million in fake invoices for hearing aids

An international law enforcement operation coordinated by Europol has dismantled a criminal network behind a large-scale healthcare subsidy fraud in France and the laundering of its illicit proceeds in Germany.

The fraud scheme centred on fraudulent reimbursements for hearing aids exploiting France’s public health insurance system. In July 2024, the fraudsters set up fictitious hearing aid companies, using usurped diplomas to secure accreditation from health authorities and contracts with the French health insurance fund. Armed with stolen patient details, they issued false invoices, leading to EUR 6.7 million in fraudulent reimbursements. The illicit funds were then channelled through dozens of shell companies across Europe.

On 10 March, French authorities arrested eight key suspects involved in the fraudulent scheme, which exploited France’s healthcare system. The French Gendarmerie carried out searches at the suspects’ residences, a doctor’s home and a medical centre. Officers seized EUR 195 000 in criminal assets, including EUR 111 000 from bank accounts, as well as luxury items and electronic devices.

Building on intelligence from the French operation, authorities in Germany launched a second phase of the investigation to target the laundering of the fraud’s proceeds.

On 17 March, German law enforcement, supported by French investigators from the Gendarmerie and Europol, carried out a large-scale action against a major company suspected of funnelling illicit funds. Law enforcement officers searched eight locations, including the company’s headquarters, an accountancy firm, a warehouse and several residences linked to senior figures in the scheme.

The German operation involved over 100 officers and resulted in the seizure of real estate, 73 high-end vehicles and EUR 260 000 in cash.

Europol’s support

Europol provided key analytical and operational support, helping investigators trace the flow of illicit funds and uncover links to other criminal cases. Its intelligence enabled authorities to map out the laundering network behind the fraud.

During the action days, Europol deployed specialists on the ground with a mobile office for real-time cross-checks and digital forensic support. It also facilitated coordination between French and German investigators, funding logistical support to ensure the smooth execution of operations.

The following authorities took part in this investigation:

• France: French National Gendarmerie (Gendarmerie Nationale – OCLTI)
• Germany: Police Headquarters South-East Hesse (Polizeipräsidium Südosthessen)