DOJ: 107 charged in Medicare fraud bust

Washington (CNN) — More than 100 people have been charged and an estimated $450 million in false billings uncovered by federal agents in a nationwide operation that authorities say is the largest bust in recent history.

Law enforcement sources say the charges were lodged in seven metropolitan areas, capping an investigation of several months into efforts to defraud Medicare, Medicaid and other federal health programs.

It is the largest of four such sweeps announced during the Obama administration.

Attorney General Eric Holder and Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius are expected to announce the operation Wednesday and emphasize their determination to combat phony billing practices in the health care industry.