NEW YORK: A 72-year-old Bangladeshi pediatrician has been arrested in Flushing, Queens, New York City, over allegations of sexually abusing two female patients, according to the New York Police Department (NYPD). The accused doctor has been identified as Dr. Fazul Yusuf. One of the two alleged victims is 15 years old, while the other is 20.

According to media reports citing police information, Yusuf was arrested on the morning of October 27 by the NYPD’s Special Victims Squad. The arrest followed an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct involving two patients during separate incidents at his medical practice in Flushing. According to the criminal complaint filed in court, the incidents allegedly took place at the doctor’s medical practice on October 20.

The complaint alleges that at approximately 5:15 p.m., a 20-year-old female patient visited the doctor for medical treatment. During the visit, the doctor allegedly placed his hand inside her clothing without her consent and touched her breast underneath her bra. According to the complaint, he also commented on her appearance and suggested that she work for him.

Approximately 15 minutes later, at around 5:30 p.m., a similar incident allegedly occurred involving another patient, a 15-year-old girl. Prosecutors allege that the doctor touched the teenager’s thigh and breast over her clothing. The complaint further states that he made a similar comment to the teenage patient.

Police said Dr. Yusuf has been charged with sexual abuse in the third degree, forcible touching, and endangering the welfare of a child. He was arraigned on October 27 before Queens Criminal Court Judge Indira Khan. He denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty.

The court set bail at $10,000 cash or a $30,000 bond. A temporary order of protection was also issued against him. According to published reports, he was released on bail and was scheduled to appear in court again on October 30.

The NYPD Special Victims Squad is continuing its investigation. Anyone who may have experienced similar conduct while receiving medical treatment from the doctor is being urged to contact the police. Police contact information NYPD Sex Crimes Hotline: 212-267-7273, Crime Stoppers: 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). Individuals can also submit information through the NYPD Crime Stoppers website. The case remains pending. The accused doctor has pleaded not guilty. Under the law, he is presumed innocent unless and until the allegations are proven in court.

Meanwhile, the arrest of 72-year-old Dr. Fazul Yusuf has sparked mixed reactions within the Bangladeshi community in Queens. Some people believe the incident may have been fabricated. Dr. Yusuf has reportedly been practicing as a pediatrician in Queens for many years and has maintained a strong reputation in the community. According to some community members, they were not aware of any previous complaints against him.

Many find it difficult to believe that he would engage in such unethical conduct at the age of 72, given his longstanding presence and reputation as a pediatrician in the community. However, these are personal opinions expressed by community members and do not establish whether the allegations are true or false. The case remains under investigation, and the court will ultimately determine the facts.

NEW YORK: Xue Fang Cheng, 55, of New York, was arrested on Monday after a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of New York returned an indictment on October 23 charging her with providing illegal check-cashing services. According to court documents, Cheng was an owner of a New York convenience store that allegedly provided unlicensed check-cashing services to at least three individuals, including a social adult day care center owner and an undercover law enforcement agent.

Cheng allegedly directed customers to deposit checks into business bank accounts held by various companies and controlled by other individuals. She then provided cash to customers in exchange for a fee of 2% to 3%. According to the indictment, Cheng documented the transactions through text and audio messages. She also allegedly told an undercover agent that they should “plan to do [it] long term,” while warning that “[i]t is very dangerous.”

From March 2025 through July 2026, Cheng allegedly participated in providing more than $1.1 million in cash to customers. Law enforcement officials seized approximately $875,000 in connection with the investigation. Cheng is charged with conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

The announcement was made by Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division; U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. for the Eastern District of New York; Acting Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Miranda L. Bennett of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General; Pete Gizas, acting special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New York; and New York City Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch.

The HHS Office of Inspector General, Homeland Security Investigations in New York and the NYPD are investigating the case. Deputy Chief Patrick J. Campbell and Trial Attorney Leonid Sandlar of the Justice Department’s Fraud Division Health Care Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.

The Justice Department announced the creation of its Fraud Division on April 7. The division focuses on investigating and prosecuting fraud against the American people. The department’s anti-fraud efforts support President Donald Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance, which aims to address fraud, waste and abuse in federal benefit programs.

The Justice Department’s Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program consists of nine strike forces operating in federal districts across the country. Since 2007, the program has charged more than 6,200 defendants who collectively billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $45 billion.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working with the HHS Office of Inspector General, are also taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information is available at the Justice Department’s Health Care Fraud Section website.