Physical Therapist From Wayland Charged After Fraud Investigation

WAYLAND, MA — Four local physical therapists were arrested and charged this week following a federal investigation into mail and health care fraud, according to prosecutors.

The arrests revolve around the firm Brighton Physical Therapy. According to prosecutors, Gyulnara Bayryshova, 55, of Brighton, Anna Barenboym, 45, of Wayland, Slava Pride, 41, of West Roxbury and Raya Bagardi, 36, of Brighton, conspired to bill insurance company for treatments that either didn't happen or weren't necessary.

"In addition, some of the services for which the defendants sought reimbursement were not provided by licensed physical therapists," prosecutors said in a statement. "It is further alleged that BPT paid patients for referrals, referred patients to attorneys to assist with patients’ insurance settlements, and accepted kickbacks from those attorneys in return."

Each of the four were charged with one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and health care fraud, eight counts of mail fraud and one count of health care fraud. Barenboym, the Wayland resident, was also charged with three counts of lying in connection with a health care benefit program, prosecutors said.