(Image source from: The Daily Caller)

The largest healthcare fraud has been takedown in the United States history as the government proclaims that hundreds of medical professional across the country have charged, in which many cases are linked to the opioid crisis.

The takedown pertains more than 600 defendants, from physicians and pharmacists, down to billing clerks.  

Attorney General of the U.S. Jeff Sessions says they're accused of more than $2 billion dollars in fraud.

The data include 76 doctors, 19 nurses, 23 pharmacists, and else medical workers. The justice department says that while most medical professionals are honorable, this group took advantage of the opioid crisis for their own benefit.

"It is deadliest drug epidemic in the history of this country. We have never seen anything like it. Some of our most trusted medical officials - professionals look at their patients, vulnerable people suffering from addiction, and they see dollar signs," said Sessions.

Sessions allege 16 of the doctors illicitly prescribed more than 2.3 million pills and one physician is accused of swindling Medicare of $112 million dollars.

By Sowmya Sangam