U.S. Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh | U.S. Department of Justice
A former senior partner at McKinsey & Company has pleaded guilty to obstructing justice related to his work with Purdue Pharma. Martin Elling, 60, residing in Bangkok, Thailand, admitted to destroying records with the intent to impede a U.S. Department of Justice investigation.
Acting United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee commented on the plea: "Today’s guilty plea moves us forward in holding accountable not only those corporations responsible for the opioid crisis in America but also the executives that have exacerbated the tragedy." He credited various U.S. Attorney's Offices and other agencies for their efforts in the prosecution.
Joshua S. Levy, United States Attorney for Massachusetts, stated: "Mr. Elling’s guilty plea is a significant step in our ongoing efforts to address the full scope of misconduct that fueled the opioid epidemic."
Special Agent George A. Scavdis from the FDA Office of Criminal Investigations remarked on Elling's actions: “Knowingly destroying records and documents to impede a government investigation into the unlawful prescribing of opioids impairs the ability of law enforcement to do its job and endangers public health.”
Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares expressed satisfaction with accountability being extended beyond McKinsey: "On the heels of a historic $650 million judgment against the world's largest consulting firm, I am pleased to see that those who knowingly obstructed justice will share in both culpability and be held accountable for their actions."
Elling had been involved in securing engagements between McKinsey and Purdue Pharma since 2013. Court documents revealed he deleted materials from his McKinsey-issued laptop related to Purdue matters amid investigations into opioid sales practices.
Sentencing is scheduled for April 4, where Elling faces up to 20 years in prison.
The case is prosecuted by multiple attorneys across various districts and was investigated by several federal agencies including FDA, FBI, and others.
