Yuma Doctor Dr. Irfan Fazil Arrested in $36 Million Fraud Scheme With Alleged Drug Cartel Ties

A Yuma Nephrologist Behind Bars

Dr. Irfan Fazil, a well-known Yuma nephrologist, was arrested and is being held at the Yuma County Detention Center on a $50 million bond after prosecutors accused him of running a massive fraud scheme that allegedly stole more than $36 million from Arizona's Medicaid program.

The Arizona Attorney General's Office confirmed the arrest as part of an ongoing investigation. Fazil faces three felony charges: theft from a building or control of property, illegal control of an enterprise, and conspiracy involving fraudulent schemes and artifices, according to court documents obtained by KYMA.

The Fraud Allegations

According to a summary of probable cause statement from Yuma County Justice Court, Fazil and his spouse operated a large-scale criminal enterprise through three AHCCCS enrolled provider entities they owned. Between July and December of 2025, those entities submitted claims totaling over $36 million in AHCCCS payments within six months. That figure represents about 97% of all revenue for 2025, according to the court notes.

The billed services include tens of thousands of X-rays, over 10,000 ultrasounds, and more than 1,000 ECGs. Multiple patients told investigators they never received the billed services. Some patients were reportedly out of state or out of the country at the time of the alleged billing, according to the documents.

Alleged Cartel Connections

The investigation uncovered allegations that extend beyond healthcare fraud. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, Fazil's pilot and other people who work for him have ties to drug cartels in Mexico, the court notes state.

Investigators found that Fazil has made multiple border crossings and international trips. His ties include connections to Dubai and Pakistan. Bank records show large sums of money being sent to both countries, according to the probable cause summary.

Patients Left in the Dark

Despite the arrest, Bio Family Clinic in the Foothills area of Yuma remained open the morning after investigators served a search warrant. Patients continued to enter and leave the facility.

"I'm 52 years old and never in my life I've experienced this, and I am a patient here," one patient told AZFamily.

Kamay Bowman said she is a patient at Bio Family Clinic and that Fazil has been her husband's doctor for four years.

"I don't know where I go from here. Do I get a primary? Do I stay with them? Where do I go from here? Because my husband goes here as well," Bowman said.

Bowman said she visited the office after hearing about the arrest to get more information and decide how to proceed, since her husband has upcoming appointments.

"I don't want to be a part of criminal activity if that is what is going on," Bowman said.

Community Reaction

Some residents expressed relief that the investigation had resulted in action.

"My mom was one of his patients and she expressed to me years ago about what he was doing," Jordan Holt said. "It's relieving to know that something is finally happening about it."

Several individuals who identified themselves as former patients and employees of the clinic told KYMA they hope the investigation will provide answers and accountability. None agreed to speak on camera.

Bond Hearing and Asset Seizure

At a court hearing on Tuesday, a judge denied a request to lower the $50 million bond. Prosecutors told the court they consider Fazil a potential flight risk, citing what they described as overseas accounts. They also said Fazil's wife owns an operating clinic in Dubai and noted that Fazil has a brother who was deported to Pakistan, according to AZFamily.

As part of the investigation, prosecutors said they have seized Fazil's assets, including planes and cars, and frozen his bank accounts. Investigators also seized several credit cards under different names, including the names of the doctor's employees.

Fazil's attorney, Jeremy Claridge, argued the bond is excessive.

"It was so high that after the state had gone through and seized all my client's assets, he, he can't pay that, so effectively he is denied his ability to make bail," Claridge said.

Claridge also said Fazil has practiced medicine in Arizona for 15 years.

No Affiliation With Local Hospital

Following the arrest, Onvida Health issued a statement clarifying that it has no affiliation with Bio Family Clinic or Fazil.

"Onvida Health has no relationship to, or affiliation with, Bio Family Clinic. Irfan Fazil is not a member of the medical staff of Onvida Health Yuma Medical Center," the hospital said.

The healthcare provider added that it remains focused on serving patients who may experience disruptions in their care.

"At Onvida Health, our focus is on providing high-quality, compassionate care. We welcome all members of our community as patients and will support any that might experience a disruption with their health care," Onvida Health said.

What Comes Next

Fazil is scheduled to return to court next week. The Arizona Attorney General's Office said the case is part of an ongoing investigation and could not provide additional information at this time.

According to the Bio Family Clinic website, Fazil founded the clinic and has been in private practice for more than 15 years. The website also states he was named a top nephrologist in 2023 by America's Best Doctor Magazine. Fazil's photo and profile were still posted online on the clinic's website days after his arrest.