Dr. Ljudmil Kljusev Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking, Fraud

Milford psychiatrist Dr. Ljudmil Kljusev, 52, of Fairfield, pleaded guilty today to distributing narcotics outside the scope of professional practice and committing health care fraud, capping a federal investigation into his prescription drug operation disguised as a medical practice.

Kljusev admitted in U.S. District Court in Hartford before Judge Alvin W. Thompson that he operated a cash-fueled scheme dispensing high volumes of Adderall and Xanax—Schedule II and IV controlled substances—without proper medical exams, often to patients showing clear signs of addiction. Many paid in cash, bypassing insurance and scrutiny.

Court records reveal Kljusev prescribed dangerous stimulants and benzodiazepines without confirming legitimate medical need, directed non-licensed staff to write prescriptions in his absence, and continued billing insurers for services rendered while he was out of the country—$76,983 in false claims between 2014 and 2015.

An undercover probe involving confidential informants and officers posing as patients caught the scheme in motion. The DEA’s Tactical Diversion Squad, FBI, and Milford Police Department exposed a doctor acting as a pill mill operator, trading controlled substances for cash like a street dealer.

“This doctor sold controlled substances out of his office for cash, like a common drug dealer,” said U.S. Attorney Deirdre M. Daly. “We are finding with increasing frequency that the types of pills he distributed are contributing to drug overdose deaths.” DEA Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Ferguson added that such violations endanger public safety and fuel the opioid crisis.

Kljusev, detained since his arrest on November 12, 2015, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute narcotics—carrying up to 20 years—and one count of health care fraud—up to 10 years. Under a binding plea deal, prosecutors recommend 26 to 77 months in prison. He has agreed to forfeit his Milford office at 227 Naugatuck Avenue, $173,095.20 seized during his arrest, $117,431.13 from his business account, and to pay $76,983 in restitution. Sentencing is set for February 22, 2017.