A Michigan doctor has found himself on the wrong side of the law after being indicted for his involvement in an illegal cancer drug sales scheme. Dr. Naveed Aslam, 51, from West Bloomfield, has been charged with one count of conspiracy to illegally sell or trade prescription drugs and ten counts of the same offense, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Michigan.
The indictment, unsealed early this week, alleges that beginning in early 2019 and continuing through August 2023, Dr. Aslam used his access to expensive cancer drugs through his practice, Somerset Hematology and Oncology, P.C., to funnel more than $17 million worth of prescription medications into illegal sales channels, ultimately netting over $2.5 million for himself. In a press release, United States Attorney Ison stated, "The safety and integrity of our country’s prescription drug supply lines – particularly for cancer drugs – is an important part of our health care system," underscoring the egregious nature of Aslam's alleged crimes.
Multiple federal agencies, including HHS-OIG, FDA, FBI, and HSI, collaborated on the investigation that led to Aslam’s indictment. Mario M. Pinto, Special Agent in Charge of the HHS-OIG, emphasized their commitment to preserving the solvency of Federal health care programs, while FBI Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson reinforced the message that such privileges in the medical field come with a profound responsibility. Each stressed the importance of protecting the public against the diversion of drugs deemed critical for patient health and safety.
While an indictment is not evidence of guilt but merely a charge, the case raises serious concerns about the ethical responsibilities of medical professionals and their impact on patient trust. “A physician’s ethical responsibility is to their patients, not to selling cancer drugs under the table for profit,” stated Angie M. Salazar, HSI Detroit Special Agent in Charge, in a statement obtained by the U.S. Attorney's Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Lievense, with related forfeiture matters handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jessica A. Nathan from the Money Laundering & Asset Recovery Unit.
