FBI hunts Ghanaian pastor over alleged U.S healthcare fraud case

Ghanaian pastor Ayitey Ayayee-Amim has remained a fugitive from U.S. authorities since 2016 after allegedly skipping bail and failing to appear in court to face healthcare fraud charges.

Ayayee-Amim, who is also known by the names Kwame, Sam, and “Man of God,” was arrested on May 8, 2015, over his alleged involvement in a healthcare fraud scheme linked to Paradise Home Health in Arlington, Texas.

Although he was released on bail, he did not appear for the start of his jury trial on August 15, 2016, prompting the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas to issue a federal arrest warrant.

According to the FBI, Ayayee-Amim was indicted on September 1, 2015, on charges of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud. Investigators allege that between 2010 and 2011, he and his associates submitted fraudulent Medicare claims for medical services that were either unnecessary or never provided.

Authorities also claim he recruited patients into the scheme and paid cash incentives to existing patients to facilitate the alleged fraud.

The FBI stated that Ayayee-Amim is accused of filing false Medicare claims, recruiting new beneficiaries and offering kickbacks to patients as part of the operation.

Nearly a decade after his disappearance, the FBI believes he may be hiding in Ghana, Canada, England, the northeastern United States, or the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

The agency is offering a $1,000 reward for information that leads to his arrest.

The case underscores the international nature of fugitive investigations, particularly where suspects are believed to have links to multiple countries.

The development comes as U.S. authorities continue to strengthen cooperation with Ghana in tackling transnational fraud. The FBI recently established a Legal Attaché Office at the U.S. Embassy in Accra to support investigations into cross-border financial crimes.