Yuma doctor accused of fraud scheme makes first court appearance
Lauren Duffel
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – We have obtained the mugshot of a well-known Yuma doctor accused of a fraud scheme.
Minute Order notes we obtained from Yuma County Justice Court state that Dr. Irfan Fazil, 54, was allegedly involved in a fraud scheme where the loss amounts to more than $36 million.
The summary of probable cause statement says that Dr. Fazil along with his spouse were running a large-scale criminal enterprise.
They say that between July and December of 2025 three AHCCCS enrolled provider entities owned by them submitted claims of over $36 million in AHCCCS payments within six months, representing about 97% of all revenue for 2025.
That includes tens of thousand of X-rays, over 10,000 ultrasounds and more than a thousand ECGs.
Multiple patients say they never received the billed services. Some were even out of the state or out of the country.
The notes also detail that according to the Drug Enforcement Administration, Fazil’s pilot and other people who work for him have ties to drug cartels in Mexico.
He has multiple border crossings and international travel and ties to Dubai and Pakistan.
The notes also show his bank records have large sums of money being sent to Dubai and Pakistan.
Investigators served a search warrant Wednesday at Bio Family Clinic in the Foothills area of Yuma, leading to Fazil’s arrest.
According to jail records, Fazil is being held at the Yuma County Jail on a $50 million bond. He faces charges of theft from a building or control of property, illegal control of an enterprise, and conspiracy involving fraudulent schemes and artifices.
The Arizona Attorney General’s Office confirmed the arrest in a statement:
“This action was taken as part of an ongoing investigation by the Arizona Attorney General’s Office. Dr. Fazil’s arraignment will be scheduled in the coming days.”
As news of the arrest spread throughout the community, some residents expressed relief that the investigation had resulted in action.
One local resident, whose mother was previously a patient of Fazil, said concerns about the doctor had been discussed within his family for years.
“My mom was one of his patients and she expressed to me years ago about what he was doing,” Jordan Holt said. “It’s receiving to know that something is finally happening about it.”
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 that he was named a top nephrologist in 2023 by America’s Best Doctor Magazine.
Despite the arrest and investigation, Bio Family Clinic remained open Thursday morning, with patients continuing to enter and leave the facility.
KYMA also spoke with several individuals who identified themselves as former patients and employees of the clinic.
While none agreed to speak on camera, several said they hope the investigation will provide answers and accountability.
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 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,” they added.
The documents we obtained can be read below:
From left to right, you see Lucas Kline, Della Portfield, Brinlee Smith Giovanini, Savvy Santucci, and Syd Santucci.
Credit: Stephen Stetler
Credit: Doña Ana County
Credit: Doña Ana County
