Sources familiar with the investigation told the Journal the criminal investigation has been ongoing for several years. In addition to investigating the company’s role in boosting sales of opioids, the Justice Department is also investigating whether the company or its employees “obstructed justice in relation to records of its consulting services,” according to the Journal.
McKinsey declined to comment to the Journal.
The company has reached multimillion-dollar civil settlements for its role in advising Purdue Pharma and other opioid manufacturers. In 2021, McKinsey agreed to pay $573 million to 47 states to settle allegations it advised Purdue Pharma to ramp up sales of OxyContin.
McKinsey has not admitted any wrongdoing as part of the settlements but has since stopped advising clients on opioid-related business in 2019, according to a previous statement.
According to the Journal, a grand jury has been empaneled in Virginia as part of the investigation.
At the Becker's Fall Behavioral Health Summit, taking place November 4–5 in Chicago, behavioral health leaders and executives will explore strategies for expanding access to care, integrating services, addressing workforce challenges and leveraging innovation to improve outcomes across the behavioral health continuum. Apply for complimentary registration now.