FBI launches nationwide manhunt for doctor with clinics in suburbs

The FBI says it has launched a nationwide manhunt for a man who is accused of defrauding the state and private insurance companies out of $25 million.

Dr. Gautum Gupta owns and operates several Nutrition Clinic locations in the Chicago area, which were described in radio and television ads as weight loss clinics. He is charged with mail fraud, health care fraud and conspiracy for submitting claims to an insurance company and Illinois Medicaid for unnecessary procedures or procedures that were never performed.

The complaint alleges that Gupta, or members of his staff acting at his direction, submitted claims to both the Blue Cross/Blue Shield Insurance Company and the Illinois Medicaid program for unnecessary procedures or procedures which were never performed. The complaint indicates that, during the period of June 2001 through January of 2010, the Nutrition Clinic was paid nearly $25 million for claims submitted on behalf of clinic patients.

Gupta is described as a white/male of Indian descent, 57 years of age, 5'5” tall, 160 pounds, graying black hair which is sometimes worn in a ponytail, and brown eyes.

Anyone recognizing Gupta or having any information about his current whereabouts is asked to call the Chicago FBI at (312) 421-6700.

The case was investigated jointly by the Chicago FBI, the Illinois State Police—Medicaid Fraud Control Bureau, and the HHS-OIG.

If convicted of the charges filed against him, Gupta faces a possible sentence of up to 35 years' incarceration.

According to the FBI, Nutrition Clinic — which has locations in Arlington Heights, Chicago, Naperville, Rockford and South Beloit — was paid nearly $25 million for the claims between June 2001 and January 2010.

Gupta's last known address was in Rockford.