• Submitted by: admin
• Caribbean
• Havana
• International
• North America
• United States
• Business and Economy
• Politics and Government
• 10 / 01 / 2008

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It was unclear if U.S. prosecutors were negotiating with the Cuban government for the return of Carlos, Luis and Jose Benitez, who were indicted in June with defrauding Medicare of $119 million, The Miami Herald reported Tuesday.

Since the United States has no formal relations with Cuba, the FBI has not formally asked the Cuban government to turn over the Benitezes. Unnamed sources told the Herald the brothers had been arrested in Cuba on immigration violations.

The newspaper said FBI agents are working with authorities in the Dominican Republic to seize the Benitezes' property, bank accounts and other assets bought there with their alleged Medicare millions.

(UPI)