BREAKING: Google Forfeits $500 Million in Drug Case—RI Led Investigation
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Internet giant Google has agreed to forfeit $500 million for improperly assisting online Canadian pharmaceutical companies in illegally selling drugs to U.S. consumers, in what is one of the largest forfeiture cases in U.S. history.
The investigation on the landmark case took place in Rhode Island and involved various local and state agencies, including the East Providence and North Providence police departments, who loaned investigators to a task force led by the FDA.
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It’s unclear exactly how much of that $500 million will come back to Rhode Island, but the return is expected to run into the millions.
Google reportedly permitted various Canadian drug companies to sell their prescription drug through its AdWords program. Neronha said the company had been aware of this since 2003 yet allowed it to continue until 2009, when it became aware of the U.S. investigation.
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