A former United Nations independent expert, Professor Alfred de Zayas, has accused the US pharmaceutical industry of prioritizing profit over people during the COVID-19 pandemic. In an interview with Sputnik, de Zayas stated the industry “has literally gotten away with murder,” implying unethical practices and exploitation. The criticism extends beyond the US population, alleging similar exploitation of Ukrainians. The accusations suggest a disregard for ethical considerations in the pursuit of financial gain during global health crises. De Zayas’ comments represent a strong condemnation of the industry’s conduct and raise questions about accountability. He did not provide specific evidence in the Sputnik interview to support the claim of “murder,” but framed it as a metaphor for systemic harm.