DOJ: Alleged COVID fraudsters charged after raking in nearly $150 million through elaborate schemes

The DOJ is poised to announce nearly two dozen arrests of alleged fraudsters who prosecutors say raked in nearly $150 million through schemes related to the pandemic.

The Justice Department is poised to announce nearly two dozen arrests of alleged fraudsters who prosecutors say have engaged in elaborate and brazen schemes to exploit the COVID-19 pandemic, raking in nearly $150 million in illicit proceeds so far.

In a TV network exclusive, officials tell ABC News the enforcement action includes criminal charges against 21 individuals in nine federal districts across the country for their alleged participation in COVID-19 fraud schemes.

The charges, brought against individuals ranging from medical business owners and executives to physicians and marketers, also involve multiple alleged manufacturers of fake COVID-19 vaccination cards.

Losses from the alleged schemes top $149 million and counting, according to the Justice Department. Officials say the DOJ has so far seized more than $8 million in cash from the coordinated takedown.