One Fraud Division, Many Enforcement Questions: What DOJ's National Fraud Enforcement Division Means for Companies

The useful part

Justice (DOJ or Department) published a final rule on August 18, 2026 (Final Rule) formalizing the National Fraud Enforcement Division (Fraud Division) established in April 2026. Companies in the health care, government contracting, trade, and tax sectors should take note and scrutinize their compliance programs accordingly. Rule, the Fraud Division has jurisdiction over the following broad range of fraud-related matters.

How it works

• This is a catch-all category that could encompass wire fraud, bank fraud, procurement fraud, and similar offenses.
• The Fraud Division has grown rapidly, already wielding data-driven investigative tools and interagency partnerships, and has signaled that it will reward companies that self-disclose and cooperate while...
• Criminal fraud matters (other than antitrust cases involving conspiracy to defraud the United States by violation of the antitrust laws, handled by DOJ's Antitrust Division).
• Companies involved in cross-border supply chains or customs brokerage should take particular note.
• Criminal proceedings involving monies owed to or paid by the United States.

What to take from it

This covers government contractors, grant recipients, and participants in any federally funded program.

Details worth keeping

Companies should understand the scope of the Fraud Division's reach: All criminal proceedings arising under the internal revenue laws. This includes tax evasion, fraudulent returns, and abusive tax shelters.