How enforcement actions protect Americans from health care, market, and corporate fraud
Fraud in U.S. markets and government programs harms hardworking Americans and the public fisc. It also strengthens illicit financial networks that enable transnational criminal organizations, cartels, terrorists, and rogue nations to launder narcotics and human smuggling proceeds and evade sanctions and tariffs. Addressing these crimes is critical to protecting both the integrity of American markets and the security of the nation.
Efforts to hold white-collar criminals accountable have intensified, with investigators and prosecutors identifying, investigating, and prosecuting fraud and corruption effectively and fairly. These efforts are focused on protecting the American people and maintaining confidence in public institutions and financial systems.
Health care fraud remains one of the largest and most damaging forms of financial crime in the United States. It drains billions of taxpayer dollars from essential programs and harms patients through unnecessary or unsafe treatments motivated by profit. The Criminal Division’s Health Care Fraud Unit has led record-breaking enforcement efforts, including the largest takedown in U.S. history, charging more than 300 individuals and uncovering $14.6 billion in fraudulent claims. Among these was Operation Gold Rush, targeting transnational criminal organizations that sought to defraud Medicare and other insurance programs of more than $12 billion. By leveraging data analytics, the Department and its partners were able to identify and prevent most of these fraudulent payments before taxpayer funds were lost.
Corporate accountability has also become a growing area of focus. Recent cases, such as the deferred prosecution agreement with Kimberly-Clark for selling adulterated surgical gowns and a non-prosecution agreement with Troy Health for fraudulent Medicare enrollments, demonstrate an increased emphasis on ensuring companies—not just individuals—are held responsible for misconduct. These resolutions mark the first corporate enforcement actions in health care fraud by the Division in nearly a decade, with more expected to follow.
Beyond health care, fraud in the financial markets continues to undermine investor confidence and distort fair competition. The Department has pursued cases involving foreign companies listed on U.S. exchanges, particularly Chinese variable interest entities that exploit American retail investors through deceptive online campaigns. In one recent case, executives of a Chinese company listed on NASDAQ engaged in a “ramp and dump” scheme involving over $100 million in manipulated stock trades, inflicting severe losses on ordinary investors. Swift action led to asset seizures, underscoring the government’s commitment to protecting American markets from foreign exploitation.
Fraud in government contracting and procurement also remains a high priority. In one major case, defendants—including a USAID contracting officer—pleaded guilty to a decade-long bribery scheme tied to $550 million in government contracts. Their employers admitted criminal liability, reflecting the Department’s efforts to ensure that companies benefiting from public funds adhere to lawful and ethical standards. Similarly, trade and customs fraud investigations are targeting those who evade tariffs or engage in deceptive practices to undercut U.S. businesses and economic policy, with public enforcement actions expected soon.
Anti-corruption enforcement continues to advance under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). Recent cases include charges against Mexican businessmen involved in bribery related to PEMEX and corporate resolutions involving Liberty Mutual for violations by its subsidiary in India. These actions, completed efficiently under the Corporate Enforcement Policy (CEP), illustrate how voluntary self-disclosure and cooperation can lead to fair and expedited resolutions.
The CEP provides clarity on how companies can avoid prosecution by self-reporting, cooperating fully, and remediating misconduct. This framework incentivizes good corporate behavior while maintaining strong accountability. Companies that embrace transparency and ethical practices can secure declinations and avoid prolonged investigations, ensuring that enforcement resources focus on those who defraud or endanger the public.
To date, the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section (US Dept of Justice) has charged more than 200 individuals, secured over 140 convictions, conducted 17 trials, and resolved six corporate cases, representing over $16 billion in alleged losses. The average loss per defendant—over $70 million—demonstrates a sustained focus on the most serious and large-scale offenders.
The fight against fraud and corruption is central to preserving market integrity and protecting taxpayer funds. The Criminal Division will continue to pursue efficient and even-handed enforcement in key areas—health care fraud, market manipulation, procurement misconduct, and foreign corruption—ensuring that those who abuse the system are held accountable. These efforts uphold the rule of law, safeguard the financial system, and serve the broader goal of protecting the American people.
21st October 2025
Read More
- Antitrust Law and Innovation in the United States
- A complete overview of how to sue the US government for tort claims
