Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr., U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan | Department of Justice
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 representatives from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also participating.
U.S. District Judge Brandy R. McMillion issued the sentence after Dr. Aslam pleaded guilty to the charges. In addition to his prison term, Aslam was ordered to forfeit more than $2.6 million in profits obtained through his illegal activities.
Court records show that between 2019 and 2023, Dr. Aslam worked with others to purchase and resell expensive cancer medications for profit. His associates identified buyers who could not access these drugs through legal channels and then arranged for Dr. Aslam to acquire them using his medical practice, Somerset Hematology and Oncology, P.C., before selling them outside the approved supply chain.
By law, Dr. Aslam was only permitted to use these drugs within his medical practice; selling or diverting them outside the FDA-regulated supply chain is prohibited due to concerns over patient safety and drug efficacy. The medications involved were intended for treating serious conditions such as metastatic cervical, breast, bladder, and urinary tract cancers—drugs that are highly toxic and require careful handling.
Authorities reported that while there is no evidence patients were harmed during this scheme, it posed significant risks by bypassing safety regulations designed to protect vulnerable individuals.
During the operation, 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.”
Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office stated: “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... 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.”
Matthew Stentz from HSI Detroit added: “A scheme like this not only undermines the integrity of our healthcare system... but also jeopardizes the safety of vulnerable patients who depend on these life-saving medications.”
Ronne Malham from FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations commented: “Diverting prescription drugs... undermines the very safeguards designed to protect patients... 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 concerning money laundering and asset recovery efforts by authorities.
