Overview

• The task force targets tariff evasion and smuggling by combining civil recoveries with parallel criminal prosecutions, penalties, and seizures.
• The Justice Department highlighted common schemes under scrutiny, including misclassification, undervaluation, transshipment, structured shipments, and duty‑drawback abuse.
• Officials urged referrals to the Criminal Division’s Corporate Whistleblower Program and encouraged use of the False Claims Act’s qui tam provisions, while promoting voluntary self‑disclosure.
• The move follows DOJ’s July reorganization creating the Market, Government, and Consumer Fraud Unit to expand capacity for trade and customs fraud cases.
• Recent False Claims Act cases, including $6.8 million and $4.9 million settlements over origin and duty misreporting, illustrate the civil enforcement track now paired with enhanced criminal focus.