
The Department of Justice made a major announcement last week that demonstrates that it is serious about finding those who defraud various COVID-19 relief programs and holding them accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
Over the course of the last three months alone, working in concert with numerous law enforcement partners, including the FBI and various Offices of Inspector General, DOJ brought more than 700 law enforcement actions of one kind or another. Criminal charges were filed against 371 defendants, 119 of whom pleaded guilty or were convicted at trial. Courts imposed more than $57 million in restitution. One hundred seventeen civil cases were filed, resulting in more than $10 million in judgments. Forfeitures exceeding $231 million were secured.