DOJ cracks down on COVID fraud, charges hundreds in nationwide enforcement action
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has charged 371 individuals and launched two new COVID-19 fraud strike forces, as part of efforts to combat the alleged theft of over $800 million in coronavirus aid. Out of the defendants, 119 have pleaded guilty or been convicted, with over $57 million in court-ordered restitution imposed. Additionally, more than $231.4 million has been forfeited. The DOJ has now seized over $1.4 billion in COVID-19 relief funds and charged over 3,000 defendants. Two new strike forces have been launched in Colorado and New Jersey, adding to the existing three in California, Florida, and Maryland.