CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The U.S. Marshals Southern District of West Virginia Cops United Felony Fugitive Enforcement Division (CUFFED) Task Force has announced the apprehension of a medical doctor wanted on a 10-count federal indictment accusing him of unlawful distribution of controlled substances.

The Department of Justice first announced criminal charges against 138 defendants, including 42 doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals in 31 federal districts across the U.S. According to WVNews, the fraudulent healthcare schemes resulted in approximately $1.4 billion in alleged losses.

According to officials, Dr. Alexander Vladimirovich Otellin, 57, of Russia, formerly of Charleston, was believed to have fled the United States to Russia in order to avoid prosecution. Otellin possesses dual citizenship in the U.S. and Russia. The U.S. Marshals Service and U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of West Virginia worked with INTERPOL Washington to issue an Interpol Red Notice for Otellin.

WVNews reported that Otellin, who specializes in psychiatry, was accused of unlawfully distributing amphetamine salts (Adderall) and alprazolam (Xanax).

Officials say in September 2023, Otellin entered the country of Armenia. Otellin was taken into custody by Armenian authorities after discovering that an Interpol Red Notice had been issued and that there was an active warrant for Otellin’s arrest. Armenian authorities arrested Otellin and detained him.

U.S. Marshals say they took custody of Otellin in Armenia and transported him back to the United States, arriving at the Yeager International Airport in Charleston on April 20. He was taken to the South-Central Regional Jail, awaiting further court proceedings in U.S. District Court.

The U.S. Marshals CUFFED Task Force, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia investigated.  The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with Armenian authorities to secure the arrest and extradition of Otellin.

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