Farid Fata was once one of Michigan’s most renowned doctors, having served over 16,000 patients since 2005. Now, however, Fata is facing the possibility of a 175-year prison sentence.
For several years, Fata lied to patients about their cancer diagnoses, claiming that they needed chemotherapy when they didn’t; he forced others to receive “maintenance” chemo while convincing those who were terminally to remain under his care despite the hopelessness of their case. He would push for unneeded treatments and even overdose some of them so he could charge more money than what he could have otherwise.
For several years, Fata continued with his fraudulent practice. While others grew wary of him, most — especially those who were in power — turned a blind eye to it. The biggest reason why Fata was able to get away with his crimes for so long is simple: He was just too profitable to put behind bars.
A Federal investigation showed that, by the time he was apprehended, Fata had purchased over $45 million worth of drugs annually for a staff of three doctors. Normally, a full-time oncologist would have spent only around $1.5 to $1.9 million, according to an oncology report. Given these figures, too much wealth was at risk for those involved in Fata’s practice.
Now, despite his 175-year prison sentence and the possible financial remuneration that his victims and their families would receive, it’s just too late for the several hundreds — or even thousands — whose lives have been needlessly destroyed by Fata’s greed.
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