Overview

• Announced on August 29, the Trade Fraud Task Force unites DOJ Criminal and Civil Divisions with DHS components including CBP and HSI to pursue trade and customs fraud.
• The task force will apply the Tariff Act of 1930, the False Claims Act, and Title 18 fraud and conspiracy statutes to target duty evasion and prohibited imports.
• DOJ signaled data-driven targeting, with analytics expected to flag anomalies in import records to accelerate investigations across agencies.
• Officials are urging tips through the Criminal Division’s Corporate Whistleblower Program and encouraging FCA qui tam filings by private relators.
• Recent FCA actions include settlements of $6.8 million, $4.9 million, and $12.4 million, highlighting that cooperation and voluntary disclosure can reduce penalties while noncompliance carries heightened risk.