A major fraud scheme involving fake hearing aid reimbursements in France has been busted, with eight individuals arrested, according to Europol.

The investigation revealed that in July 2024, the suspects created bogus hearing aid businesses. Using forged diplomas, they obtained accreditation from health authorities and secured contracts with France’s public health insurance system.

With access to the system, the fraudsters submitted fake invoices and used stolen patient information to claim reimbursements. The scam resulted in an estimated €6.7 million ($7.3 million) being fraudulently paid out.

Europol, headquartered in The Hague, said the stolen funds were laundered through shell companies across Europe, with part of the proceeds traced to Germany.

French police carried out the arrests earlier this month and seized around €195,000 in criminal assets as part of the operation. Photo by Vilma Liella, Wikimedia commons.