New York fundraiser connects Medicaid fraud suspects to Democratic candidates

A Brooklyn cardiologist hosted fundraisers for New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and New York Governor Kathy Hochul at his Nassau County home. Two attendees face charges or convictions in separate Medicaid fraud cases totaling $106 million. Ijaz Ahmad, 50, a Pakistani-American cardiologist, organized events at his 10,000-square-foot Old Westbury residence.

One fundraiser occurred the day after federal agents raided Pervez Siddiqui’s adult day care center in 2025.

Medicaid fraud cases Siddiqui, an APPAC board member, was arrested last month with seven others. Prosecutors allege the group ran a $38 million kickback and false-billing scheme at two Brooklyn adult day care centers from 2019 through December 2025.

Zakia Khan, another community member, pleaded guilty last year to a separate $68 million Medicaid fraud scheme involving multiple Brooklyn facilities. She has not been sentenced.

Political donations and events Ahmad donated $16,000 to Attorney General Letitia James between 2021 and 2025. His American Pakistani Public Affairs Committee raised more than $306,000 for Democratic candidates in the past year and hosted an Iftar dinner for Governor Hochul in March.

APPAC also organized a December fundraiser for Mamdani’s transition team that collected nearly $263,000 from 70 guests. Siddiqui attended and contributed $3,700. Neither Ahmad nor APPAC has been accused of wrongdoing. Both declined to comment.