Doctor Sentenced for Healthcare Fraud and Illegal Drug Distribution

New York, Sep 26 (PTI) — A doctor of Indian descent, Neil K Anand, aged 48, has been sentenced to 168 months in prison, the US Department of Justice announced. He was found guilty of orchestrating plans to commit healthcare fraud, wire fraud, illegally distributing controlled substances, and associated money-laundering offenses.

Residing in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, Anand has also been ordered to pay restitution and forfeiture amounts surpassing USD 2 million each. According to the Department of Justice's statement, his conviction came in April this year for conspiring to submit fraudulent claims to Medicare, the US Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Independence Blue Cross (IBC), and Anthem.

The fraudulent claims were linked to 'Goody Bags' filled with medically unnecessary prescription drugs, dispensed to patients through Anand's in-house pharmacies.

Collectively, these organizations reimbursed more than USD 2.4 million for the medication dispersements. To persuade patients into accepting these unwanted medications, Anand further conspired to distribute oxycodone without legitimate medical needs.

Unlicensed medical interns were reportedly involved in the conspiracy, writing prescriptions for controlled substances using pre-signed forms provided by Anand.

Furthermore, the scheme involved Anand prescribing 20,850 oxycodone tablets to nine different patients. Upon becoming aware of the investigation against him, he reportedly attempted to hide the fraud proceeds by transferring approximately USD 1.2 million into a relative’s account for the benefit of a minor relative.

Anand's conviction in April 2025 includes charges of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud and wire fraud, multiple counts of healthcare fraud, one count of money laundering, four unlawful monetary transactions, and distributing controlled substances without legitimate medical purposes.

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