The Justice Department is investigating UnitedHealth Group for possible criminal Medicare fraud, people familiar with the matter said. The healthcare-fraud unit of the Justice Department’s criminal division is overseeing the investigation,

Shares of UnitedHealth Group plunged more than 18% following a report that the Department of Justice is carrying out a criminal investigation into the health-care giant over possible Medicare fraud. The DOJ is reportedly focusing on the company's Medicare Advantage business practices,

The reported probe adds to a string of recent setbacks that have erased more than half, or over $300 billion, from its market value since November.