Founder of Montana Healthcare Solutions Pleads Guilty in Counterfeit Cancer Drug Case
On March 21, 2013, Paul Bottomley, a citizen of the United Kingdom, signed a plea agreement acknowledging his guilt in distributing counterfeit versions of the cancer drug Avastin in the United States. He admitted that the business he founded, Montana Healthcare Solutions, played a significant role in distributing the counterfeit cancer medication to doctors and medical practices in the U.S. Bottomley agreed to forfeit over $6 million in profits he made from his business, including land in Montana and an Aston Martin that sold at auction for $110,000. He was sentenced to 5 years probation, and 6 months home confinement.
Who: U.S Department of Justice (DOJ) and Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigation (FDA-OCI).
When: April 24, 2013, 2008-2012.
Where:Belgrade, Montana, U.S.A.
How: Investigation by The U.S. Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigation.
Additional details: Bottomley sold Montana Healthcare Solutions to Internet-based Pharmacy Operation Canada Drugs in 2010, but continued to act as advisor to the company until his arrest.
Related sources:
“ Paul Daniel Bottomley Pleads Guilty In U.S. Federal Court,” U.S. Department of Justice Press Release. April 24, 2013.
“ Paul Daniel Bottomley Plea Agreement,” Clerk of the U.S. District Court, District of Montana, Billings. April 24, 2013.
“ Guilty Plea Expected In Fake-Drugs Case,”Wall Street Journal. March 26, 2013.
“ Aston Martin forfeited, auctioned in Belgrade cancer-drug case,”The Missoulan. April 16, 2013.
“ U.S. sentences man in latest fake cancer drug case,”NBC News. July 12, 2013.
“ Montana man sentenced in fake cancer drug scheme,”Yahoo News.com. July 12, 2013.
“ Counterfeit Drugs: Prosecuting the Profiteers, Protecting the Public Health,”FDA Voice Blog. July 15, 2013.
“ Fake Avastin Tied to Small Montana Distributor,”WDTV.com. February 17, 2012.