Federal authorities have added Houston-linked laboratory owner Emylee Thai to the FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters list, marking the latest move in a nearly $100 million Medicare fraud case involving genetic testing, alleged kickbacks, and a fugitive search.
Houston Lab Owner Now Wanted
Thai was charged in 2022 in a federal case tied to ApolloMDx, a laboratory business connected to the Houston area. Federal investigators said she owned ApolloMDx and Artemis DNA and signed Medicare enrollment documents for the lab.
The case centers on genetic testing billed to Medicare. Prosecutors allege the tests were often unnecessary and were not used in many beneficiaries’ medical treatment.
The lab billed Medicare about $142 million for genetic testing during the alleged scheme, officials said. Medicare paid roughly $95 million on those claims. Thai has not been convicted. The charges are allegations unless proven in court.
Medicare Genetic Testing Scheme Alleged
The indictment describes a referral system built around marketers, doctors’ orders, DNA samples, and Medicare reimbursements. Prosecutors allege Thai contracted with marketers who sent signed doctors’ orders and beneficiary DNA samples to her laboratory.
Those marketers were allegedly paid a percentage of the Medicare reimbursements. That payment structure is central to the kickback allegations. The federal health care law restricts payments made to induce referrals for services covered by Medicare or other federal programs. Prosecutors allege the arrangement pushed high-dollar claims through Medicare without proper medical need.
Federal Charges Filed in 2022
Thai was indicted on July 11, 2022. The charges included conspiracy to commit health care fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States and pay and receive health care kickbacks, and payment of kickbacks connected to a federal health care program.
The alleged conduct began around 2019, prosecutors said. The case grew out of a wider investigation into laboratory billing and genetic testing claims. Genetic testing can be legitimate when ordered for a patient’s real medical need. It can help doctors assess inherited risks or guide treatment decisions.
Ankle Monitor Removed in Las Vegas
Thai was arrested after the indictment and later released on bail. Federal officials said her release conditions included a location monitoring device. Authorities said the monitor was removed on Dec. 8, 2022. Her last known location was Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas.
Records Charge Added After Flight
Thai was separately charged in July 2023 with destruction and alteration of records in a federal investigation. That charge placed new focus on documents tied to the case. In health care fraud investigations, billing records, doctors’ orders, test files, and payment trails can become key evidence.
The FBI listing also cites a violation of pretrial conditions tied to alleged tampering with a GPS device. That allegation stems from her disappearance after she was released from custody.
Reward Increased Public Search
The FBI offers a reward of up to $150,000 for information leading to Thai’s arrest and conviction. Officials are asking anyone with information to contact 1-800-CALL-FBI.
The bureau’s wanted listing includes a physical description and a public poster. Thai is described as 5 feet 1 inch to 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighing between 130 and 150 pounds. She has black hair and brown eyes.
Fraud Case Fits National Crackdown
Thai’s listing landed during a broader federal push against health care fraud schemes involving Medicare, Medicaid, and other government health programs.
Federal prosecutors announced a national health care fraud enforcement action this week involving more than $6.5 billion in alleged false claims. The operation charged 455 defendants nationwide, including medical professionals, business owners, and others accused of exploiting public health programs.
The Thai case is separate from many of those new prosecutions. Still, it fits a recurring pattern seen in federal fraud cases: high reimbursement services, third-party marketers, beneficiary information, and claims that prosecutors say lacked medical necessity.
Texas Investigation Seized Assets
Texas authorities previously connected ApolloMDx to a major genetic testing fraud investigation. State and federal investigators said the case involved illegal kickbacks for beneficiary information and doctors’ orders.
Investigators also alleged some doctors made fraudulent diagnoses to make recipients appear eligible for testing. Other records were allegedly altered to support billing for multiple dates of service.
Search for Thai Continues
Thai remains wanted as federal agents seek public tips. The reward remains active, and officials have not announced any arrest.The allegations against her include health care fraud conspiracy, kickbacks, destruction and alteration of records, and violation of pretrial conditions. Federal authorities believe she fled after her ankle monitor was removed in Las Vegas.
