NJ Doc Accused Of Harmful Penis Injections Admits Amtrak Fraud: Feds

CEDAR GROVE, NJ - A North Jersey-based doctor previously accused of giving dangerous penile injections in closets recently admitted to improperly billing Amtrak’s health care plan.

Muhammad Mirza, 50, of Cedar Grove, pleaded guilty to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud on Wednesday, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger said in a statement.

Between April 2017 and June 2022, Mirza and three other conspirators billed the Amtrak health care plan for claims that either were never provided or were medically unnecessary, federal authorities said. The group would then allegedly recruit Amtrak employees to participate in the scheme by bribing them to use their patient and insurance information to submit the false claims.

Mirza and his conspirators reportedly submitted false and fraudulent claims that caused Amtrak to lose over $1.3 million, federal officials said.

Mirza faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest.

Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 13.

The Cedar Grove man previously had his license suspended in 2021 by then-New Jersey Attorney General Andrew Bruck after officials said he performed "invasive" procedures such as penis and breast enhancements with "little regard for the health and safety of his patients."

In particular, Mirza's improper use of certain dermal fillers for off-label purposes – including non-surgical penile and breast enhancements – poses a "clear and imminent danger" to the public, a complaint alleges. He also failed to wear a mask or medical surgical gloves while performing procedures, used high pressure sales tactics, caused physical complications like a lump and seizure, failed to respond to post-procedure complaints and/or requests for records and performed aesthetic procedures in an area described as a “small storage closet” and “closet area with a bench.”

Mirza agreed to the temporary suspension of his license in 2021 until his case is heard by an administrative law judge, and until further action from the board, prosecutors previously said.

According to the New Jersey Department of Consumer Affairs website, Mirza’s license remains suspended as of Saturday afternoon.