Was Doug Mcmillon arrested? Walmart CEO arrest claim debunked

There have been several rumors circulating on social media, particularly sites like Tiktok and Instagram, that state Doug McMillon, theCEO of Walmart, was arrested for major offenses like money laundering or drug dealing. However, these allegations are completely false.

There is no official proof, or credible source to prove these allegations. Mainstream media, the FBI and court documents do not mention this arrest or any other ones having to do with McMillon.

"CEO of Walmart, has just been arrested for drug trafficking and international money laundering... Walmart has allegedly been used as a front to launder billions of dollars connected to major drug cartels operating out of Mexico. Brazil, and Panama, the viral Instagram post claimed.

He’s still Walmart CEO as of now, and is even currently listed as CEO on the company website. Walmart hasn’t responded to the rumors publicly itself.

The viral posts typically include a fast paced video but never cite any reliable source, legal documents or verifiable facts. It’s a classic example of an online hoax, which experts say spreads quickly, particularly when aimed at household names and large corporations.

A look into previous documented legal issues that have involved Walmart

Federal prosecutors in the Eastern District of Texas used information uncovered by ProPublica’s investigation in 2020 to develop what could be one of the biggest cases against Walmart, accusing the company of violating the Controlled Substances Act as part of its alleged contributions to the opioid epidemic.

At the heart of the case was evidence that Walmart pharmacists nationwide warned their corporate headquarters about what they believed to be doctors who ran “pill mills” and issued fake prescriptions.

Internal emails showed pharmacists begging to be allowed to halt shipments of these orders, fearing legal risk and patient deaths. But rather than agreeing to those doctors throughout the corporation, Walmart’s compliance department tried to silence their voices.

BREAKING: U.S. Justice Dept. sues Walmart, alleging it illegally distributed opioids, helping to fuel the opioid crisis. https://t.co/dVH673GXS6 pic.twitter.com/PiaCNvuTgX

— CNBC Now (@CNBCnow) December 22, 2020

An email from a compliance manager, Brad Nelson, said the emphasis should be on “driving sales,” which prosecutors said in court papers was direct evidence of willful ignorance.

Making matters worse, Walmart was already working under a secret 2011 settlement with the D.E.A., which required it to enhance its controls. Prosecutors thought the company had not followed those terms.

The lead civil prosecutor eventually resigned in protest, complaining that the DOJ had prevented him from holding the corporation responsible. Walmart never admitted to any criminal wrongdoing in the case and accused the prosecutors of misconduct.