[pfisch]

I doubt that. I think banks have probably paid more, and I don't think it is even close.

https://www.enzuzo.com/blog/biggest-compliance-fines

Pharma is a massive sector of the economy though, partially because it has delivered so many miracles. Of course there are bad actors in such a large part of the economy, but the idea that there is some better alternative we should turn to is not supported by any evidence at all.

[andxor_]

> American pharmaceutical giant Pfizer Inc. and its subsidiary Pharmacia & Upjohn Company Inc. (hereinafter together "Pfizer") have agreed to pay $2.3 billion, the largest health care fraud settlement in the history of the Department of Justice, to resolve criminal and civil liability arising from the illegal promotion of certain pharmaceutical products, the Justice Department announced today.

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-announces-...

Most people here would not download third party libraries without a thorough audit, even if the application purpose is essentially frivolous. I would not buy anything from a company with this kind of criminal record without a full due diligence of what they selling, including conflicts of interests of the FDA reviewers involved.

Financial products sold by the banks must be treated that way too.

[pfisch]

You could find similar judgements in any large area of the economy. You, me and everyone else buys from companies without a full due diligence of what they selling on a nearly daily basis.

We all buy gas, food, paper products and basically everything from conglomerate companies that have done horrible, criminal things. That is just how the world works.