McKinsey to Pay $650 Million to Settle US Opioid Marketing Case

McKinsey & Company, a prominent consulting firm, has agreed to pay $650 million to settle US criminal charges related to its role in the opioid crisis. The firm collaborated with Purdue Pharma, a pharmaceutical company, to intentionally misbrand opioids, which led to the abuse and over prescription of these highly addictive painkillers. A senior partner at McKinsey was accused of knowingly destroying and hiding records related to the firm's involvement in this scheme. The settlement means that McKinsey will avoid prosecution on criminal charges, but it will still have to pay a significant fine for its role in the opioid crisis.