CBS: Sources say Steward Health Care is being investigated by the federal government

CBS: Sources say Steward Health Care is being investigated by the federal government

According to CBS News, a federal investigation is currently underway into troubled healthcare provider Steward Health Care.

CBS reports that Steward Health Care is facing various allegations of fraud and violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

Steward owns 31 hospitals across the United States, including three here in the Mahoning and Shenango Valleys.

An attempt to expand coverage to three hospitals in Malta, which CBS says is currently the focus of a criminal corruption investigation, had previously failed.

According to the CBS report, federal prosecutors at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Boston are reportedly investigating the healthcare provider in connection with the law that prohibits “U.S. citizens and companies from engaging in corrupt activities abroad.”

The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, “was enacted to prohibit certain classes of persons and corporations from making payments to foreign government officials to assist them in obtaining or retaining business.”

Steward filed for bankruptcy in May and is attempting to sell its assets at auction, but the deal has been delayed.

21 News has reached out to Steward for comment on the investigation but has not yet received an official statement.