Overview

• The US Department of Justice has directed its Market Integrity and Major Frauds Unit to shift from civil oversight to criminal investigations of trade fraud.
• Companies flagged for potential tariff evasion are facing an increase in civil investigative demands and grand jury subpoenas nationwide.
• Early whistleblower reports and the DOJ’s voluntary disclosure policy are driving more companies to self-report to secure reduced penalties.
• Corporate compliance teams are intensifying scrutiny of product classification, valuation and transshipment through low-tariff countries.
• Officials view the enforcement push as part of efforts to counter tariff evasion during ongoing US-China trade tensions.