Dr. Naveed Aslam, a 52-year-old oncologist from West Bloomfield, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for his involvement in a scheme to illegally sell and divert prescription cancer drugs valued at millions of dollars. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr., with support from officials representing the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
U.S. District Judge Brandy R. McMillion handed down the sentence after Dr. Aslam pleaded guilty to the charges. In addition to the prison term, Judge McMillion ordered Aslam to forfeit more than $2.6 million, which he had earned through the illegal activity.
Court records show that between 2019 and 2023, Dr. Aslam worked with others to buy and sell expensive cancer drugs outside approved channels for profit. His co-conspirators found customers who wanted prescription cancer drugs but could not access them through legal means. They collaborated with Dr. Aslam, who used his medical practice, Somerset Hematology and Oncology, P.C., to obtain these drugs from suppliers before selling them through his associates’ company.
Dr. Aslam was only authorized to use these medications within his medical practice and was prohibited by law from selling or diverting them outside the FDA’s regulated supply chain designed to ensure drug safety and efficacy. The diverted drugs were intended for treating serious conditions such as metastatic cervical, breast, bladder, and urinary tract cancers; they are highly toxic and require careful handling. Authorities noted there is no evidence that patients were harmed during this scheme but emphasized that patient safety was put at risk.
Over the course of the scheme, Dr. Aslam acquired and sold more than $17 million worth of prescription cancer drugs, personally profiting over $2.6 million.
“Dr. Aslam’s actions represent a serious breach of trust and a dangerous exploitation of the health care system for financial gain,” said Mario M. Pinto, Special Agent in Charge of HHS-OIG Chicago Region. “By diverting cancer drugs intended for vulnerable patients, he not only violated the law but also put lives at risk. HHS-OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and hold accountable those who compromise patient safety and the integrity of our federal health care programs.”
“The reckless and deliberate actions by Dr. Naveed Aslam not only enabled unlawful profit but created a risk of cancer medication going to individuals not intended to receive it,” said Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “The sentencing reflects the serious consequences that follow when those entrusted with patient care violate the obligations of their profession. By working alongside our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, this scheme was disrupted and further reinforces the FBI’s commitment to protecting the American People.”
“A scheme like this not only undermines the integrity of our healthcare system and the professionals who work tirelessly to keep us healthy but also jeopardizes the safety of vulnerable patients who depend on these life-saving medications,” said HSI Detroit Acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew Stentz. “HSI, alongside our law enforcement partners, remains committed to holding accountable those who exploit their positions of trust for personal gain at the expense of public health and safety.”
“Diverting prescription drugs, especially cancer medications, from the legitimate and secure U.S. supply chain to supply the illegal and unregulated black market undermines the very safeguards designed to protect patients,” said Ronne Malham, Agent in Charge at FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Chicago Field Office. “FDA will continue to pursue and bring to justice medical professionals who jeopardize the safety of patients for profit.”
Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Lievense prosecuted this case while Assistant United States Attorney Jessica A. Nathan handled related forfeiture matters as part of her work in money laundering and asset recovery.
The investigation was conducted jointly by agents from FBI, HHS-OIG, HSI, and FDA.
