A former anesthesiologist from Tufts Medical Center has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for attempted sex trafficking of a child. Sadeq Ali Quraishi, aged 47, received his sentence from U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley and will also face five years of supervised release following his prison term. In October 2024, Quraishi was found guilty of attempting to engage in sex trafficking involving a minor.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley commented on the sentencing: “Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of Mr. Quraishi’s heinous actions and underscores our unwavering commitment to protecting children from exploitation. Our office, alongside our law enforcement partners, will continue to aggressively pursue individuals who fuel the market for child sex trafficking and hold them accountable for their crimes."
Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in New England, emphasized the breach of trust by stating: “As a doctor, Quraishi was in a position of public trust. He abused that trust when he actively sought out and agreed to pay to sexually abuse a child."
The case began with an undercover operation in November 2022 aimed at identifying individuals seeking to exploit minors through commercial sex acts. Law enforcement officials placed online advertisements offering illicit services with fictitious young girls aged 12 and 14.
Quraishi responded to one such advertisement while still employed as an anesthesiologist at Tufts Medical Center. Through text exchanges with undercover agents posing as sellers, he agreed to pay $250 for sexual services from a supposed 14-year-old girl. He withdrew cash from an ATM and traveled from Boston to a Waltham hotel where he met an undercover agent posing as the seller.
During this meeting, after confirming possession of $250 intended for the transaction and accepting a keycard believed to grant access to the girl’s room, Quraishi was arrested.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian A. Fogerty and Lauren A. Graber prosecuted the case.
For those affected or aware of cases related to commercial sex trafficking, contact USAMA.VictimAssistance@usdoj.gov is available.