An Indian-origin doctor based in Pennsylvania has been convicted by a U.S. federal jury for orchestrating a large-scale healthcare fraud scheme and unlawfully distributing prescription drugs, including oxycodone, without legitimate medical reasons.
Dr. Neil K. Anand, 48, of Bensalem, was found guilty of participating in multiple conspiracies to commit healthcare fraud, wire fraud, money laundering, and illegal distribution of controlled substances. The verdict was announced by the U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ).
Fraudulent Prescriptions and Fake ‘Goody Bags’
Dr. Anand, along with co-conspirators, submitted fraudulent claims to Medicare and other health insurers, including those managed by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Independence Blue Cross (IBC), and Anthem. The claims were linked to “Goody Bags” — packages of unnecessary prescription drugs dispensed by pharmacies owned by Anand.
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Evidence presented in court revealed that patients were coerced into accepting these unwanted medications in exchange for access to prescriptions for controlled substances. In total, government and private insurers paid more than approximately ₹19.2 crore for these Goody Bags.
Unlicensed Interns and Pre-Signed Prescriptions
The trial also uncovered that Dr. Anand enabled unlicensed medical interns to write prescriptions using blank prescription pads that he had pre-signed. This allowed the illegal distribution of 20,850 oxycodone tablets to just nine patients — a significant violation of standard medical practices.
Concealment of Illegal Proceeds
Once Anand learned that he was under federal investigation, he attempted to hide the financial proceeds of his schemes. Authorities said he transferred approximately approximately ₹10 crore into an account under his father’s name, intended for the benefit of his minor daughter, in an effort to obscure the money trail.
Charges and Potential Sentence
Dr. Anand was convicted on multiple counts, including:
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Conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud
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Three counts of health care fraud
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One count of money laundering
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Four counts of unlawful monetary transactions
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Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances
He is scheduled to be sentenced on August 19, and if handed the maximum statutory penalties, could face up to 130 years in federal prison. The final sentence will be determined by a Federal District Court Judge, considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other legal factors.
This case marks a significant victory in the U.S. government’s ongoing efforts to combat healthcare fraud and the illegal distribution of opioids.