IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO FIGHT FRAUD. IN GOVERNMENT, THAT VILLAGE IS OFTEN A TASK FORCE:
In May 2021, the Department of Justice created the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force. We're a proud member of this powerful partnership that brings together more than a dozen federal agencies to detect and disrupt pandemic-related fraud. To date, the efforts of the task force’s member agencies have led to criminal charges against more than 3,500 defendants for losses of over $2 billion.
Before the weekend hits, here are 5 numbers to show you how TIGTA is supporting the task force and holding wrongdoers accountable.
269
The total number of people charged with pandemic relief fraud because of TIGTA investigations in fiscal year 2023.
672
The total number of people charged with pandemic relief fraud because of TIGTA investigations since the beginning of the pandemic. The investigations involved potential fraud in the Paycheck Protection Program, COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans, and Economic Impact Payments (known to most as stimulus checks).
266
That's how many people charged from our investigations have been sentenced.
754
The total years of imprisonment fraudsters collectively received from sentencing.
$159 million
That’s how much the court ordered the fraudsters to pay in financial restitutions.
The COVID Fraud Enforcement Task Force's annual report has more info about how we're successfully fighting fraud.
