Litigation under the False Claims Act generated more than $2.9 billion in settlement and judgments the last fiscal year, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
According to data released Jan. 15, the Justice Department’s Civil Division said the government and whistleblowers were a part of 558 settlements and judgements in fiscal year 2024 ending Sept. 30. It was the second-highest total after last year’s record of 566 recoveries.
“The department places a high priority on fighting fraud and abuse in federal programs,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division, in a statement. “The results announced today highlight once again that such conduct will not be tolerated, and that those who knowingly misuse taxpayer funds will be held accountable.”
The False Claims Act imposes treble damages and penalties on those who knowingly and falsely claim money from the U.S. or knowingly fail to pay money owed to the U.S. In 1986, Congress strengthened the False Claims Act by increasing incentives for whistleblowers to file lawsuits on behalf of the government.
The 979 whistleblowers lawsuits – or qui tam suits – filed in fiscal year 2024 breaks the prior record set in 2013.
The department said 2024 reflected its focus on combating health care fraud, the opioid epidemic, pandemic-relief fraud, and violation of cybersecurity provisions in contracts and grants.
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