Outlets That Legally Traffic In Human Organs Investigated For Overbilling Uncle Sam

U.S. Attorneys in five different states throughout the country have launched a major criminal investigation into non-profit organizations that collect human organs for transplants. The federal criminal probe is trying to determine whether any of the groups involved have been defrauding the U.S. government.

Staff from the Department of Health and Human Services and an inspector general from the Department of Veterans Affairs are also collaborating with the U.S. Attorneys. As part of their investigation, they are probing whether any of the groups have been overbilling the government for their costs.

The investigation has been underway for several months, people familiar with the case told The Washington Post. However, in recent weeks, the investigation has intensified, according to a notice that Steve Miller, executive director of the Association of Organ Procurement Organizations (OPO), sent to its members.