SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Minnesota-based Medtronic has agreed to pay $9.2 million to resolve allegations that it paid kickbacks to a South Dakota neurosurgeon and failed to accurately report them.
The settlement announced Thursday by the Department of Justice resolves allegations that Medtronic paid for more than 100 social events at a restaurant owned by Dr. Wilson Asfora. Medtronic allegedly paid for the events over a nine-year period to persuade Asfora to use Medtronic products.
Medtronic admits no liability in the settlement, but says that the issue involved a small number of sales employees, who were disciplined or fired.
