OCDA prosecutor honored as prosecutor of the year for battling insurance fraud

ORANGE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: December 13, 2017

OCDA PROSECUTOR SHADDI KAMIABIPOUR HONORED AS “PROSECUTOR OF THE YEAR” BY COALITION AGAINST INSURANCE FRAUD

SANTA ANA, Calif. – Senior Deputy District Attorney Shaddi Kamiabipour of the Orange County District Attorney’s Office (OCDA) was honored by the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud (CAIF) as the 2017 Prosecutor of the Year for her extensive work prosecuting medical and workers’ compensation insurance fraud cases. The award was presented last night at CAIF’s annual meeting at theOmni Shoreham hotel in Washington, DC.

CAIF is a nonprofit alliance of insurers, consumer groups, and government agencies combating all forms of insurance fraud. Each year, CAIF recognizes prosecutors whose outstanding ability and professional dedication to fighting insurance fraud merit the respect and admiration of prosecutors statewide. Kamiabipour, of the OCDA’s Insurance Fraud Unit, has successfully prosecuted 55 defendants in massive insurance fraud cases, including the shutdown of a $40 million fraudulent medical billing and kickback operation where she filed charges against over 22 doctors, pharmacists, and business owners. Kamiabipour has prosecuted numerous workers’ compensation insurance fraud cases with losses exceeding $520 million in total.

“Shaddi’s assertive and successful prosecuting of complex fraud rings exemplifies the skill and tenacity we seek to honor in our annual award winner,” stated Dennis Jay, Executive Director of Communications for CAIF.

District Attorney Tony Rackauckas stated, “This award is a tremendous acknowledgment of the hard work and dedication Shaddi puts into each and every case she prosecutes. She is passionate about protecting consumers from fraudulent insurance crimes which negatively impact businesses and our economy. Shaddi is very deserving of the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud’s ‘Prosecutor of the Year’ award, this recognition reflects her excellent work as well as those who work alongside her in the OCDA’s exceptional fraud unit.”

“I feel very honored to be recognized with this prestigious award and I share this award with all members of the OCDA Insurance Fraud Unit who work tirelessly to assist me in prosecuting these cases. It is not easy to hold individuals who have political connections and financial resources accountable for their crimes. I would be remiss if I didn’t give credit to District Attorney Tony Rackauckas, who has supported our efforts to vigorously prosecute these individuals and become trailblazers in this area of law.” said Kamiabipour.

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TONY RACKAUCKAS, District Attorney

Susan Kang Schroeder, Chief of Staff
Office: 714-347-8408
Cell: 714-292-2718

Michelle Van Der Linden,Spokesperson
Office: 714-347-8405
Cell: 714-323-4486