Congress probes Steward Health Care CEO’s alleged bribery claims

A whistleblower has accused Ralph de la Torre, CEO of Steward Health Care, of conspiring with foreign officials to secure a hospital contract in Malta. The allegations, made by Ram Tumuluri, detail a 2017 meeting where de la Torre purportedly suggested he could bribe Maltese officials with cash. This has prompted a federal grand jury investigation into the financial activities of Steward Health Care, focusing on executive compensation and spending. The inquiry has raised concerns about de la Torre's lavish lifestyle, including the ownership of two corporate jets valued at $95 million and significant payments to companies he has stakes in. Tumuluri, who previously secured a contract to manage three public hospitals in Malta, claims that de la Torre and other executives engaged in unlawful coercion to take over this contract after Tumuluri's company failed to meet its obligations. De la Torre's spokesperson has countered that the takeover was justified due to Tumuluri's company's shortcomings. The allegations have led to a Maltese magistrate recommending corruption charges against de la Torre and others, although the spokesperson has dismissed the inquiry as biased and lacking evidence. The whistleblower initially reported these claims to the Department of Justice in April 2023, highlighting the potential violation of U.S. laws against corrupt activities. As the investigation unfolds, calls for accountability from both the Department of Justice and Congress have intensified, emphasizing the need to prioritize patient welfare over personal gain. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing scrutiny of Steward Health Care's practices and the implications for its leadership. The outcome of the investigations could have significant repercussions for the company and its executives, as well as for the healthcare landscape in Malta.