Neil Anand, 48, faces charges of drug distribution, healthcare fraud, and money laundering in a major US case
Neil Anand, a 48-year-old doctor of Indian descent, has been convicted in a federal court in Pennsylvania for his role in a $2.3 million conspiracy to illegally distribute controlled substances. The US Justice Department confirmed the conviction, which includes charges of drug distribution, healthcare fraud, and money laundering, reported gujaratsamachar.com.
Anand was found guilty of issuing pre-signed prescriptions for oxycodone, a potent opioid painkiller, which were then used by interns to enable patients to collect over 20,000 tablets. These prescriptions were part of a broader operation where Anand distributed medically unnecessary drugs in what prosecutors described as “Goody Bags” through pharmacies he owned. The scheme targeted health insurance companies and government plans, which were billed for the unnecessary medications, ultimately defrauding them of $2.3 million.
The doctor also attempted to conceal his illegal earnings by transferring millions to family accounts as the investigation unfolded.
The case took a more serious turn when Anand attempted to hide the proceeds from the fraud by transferring approximately $1.2 million into an account in his father’s name and for his minor daughter’s benefit, according to the US prosecutors.
Arun Bodapati, one of the key government attorneys in the case from the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, played a crucial role in the prosecution. Anand’s sentencing is set for August, where he could face significant penalties for his crimes.
Anand was initially charged in 2019, along with four others, including three medical graduates from foreign universities who were not licensed to practice in the United States. His conviction highlights the ongoing crackdown on medical professionals involved in the illegal distribution of opioids and fraudulent healthcare practices.
