DOJ Prioritizing Tariff, Customs Fraud Whistleblowers
DOJ is adding certain trade violations to the list of “priority areas” for its whistleblower awards program, Matthew Galeotti, head of DOJ’s Criminal Division, said during an industry conference May 12, according to a copy of his prepared remarks.
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Galeotti said the agency is looking to prioritize whistleblowers who tell DOJ about trade, tariff and customs fraud. Under the corporate whistleblower awards pilot program, whistleblowers are rewarded if they inform DOJ about corporate misconduct that leads to a forfeiture.
DOJ is also adding priority areas for other violations of federal laws, including sanctions violations; procurement and federal program fraud; and support of foreign terrorist and criminal organizations.
The changes “reflect our focus on the worst actors and most egregious crimes,” Galeotti said. “We want to hear from you and we want your companies to hear from you. Now is the time to report, remediate, and strengthen compliance to ensure American prosperity.”
The updates are part of the Trump administration's broader revisions to DOJ's corporate enforcement policies.