At least $1.4B in stolen COVID relief funds seized, Department of Justice says – CNYcentral.com

WASHINGTON (TND)

The U.S. Department of Justice on Tuesday announced its COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force (CFETF) seized more than $1.4 billion worth of stolen COVID relief funds during the last three years.

In a news release, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said at least 3,500 defendants were charged with federal crimes, which toteld more than $2 billion. He also said more than 400 civil lawsuits were filed, which resulted in court judgements and settlements of over $100 million -- and at least $1.4 billion seized or forfeited.

The information was part of a 33-page report that highlighted the "widespread fraud."

At least $1.4B in stolen COVID relief funds seized, Department of Justice says

Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco shared similar sentiments.

Michael C. Galdo, who serves as the director of the Task Force, said there are still ongoing investigations into hundreds of cases involving identity thieves, transnational fraud and money laundering networks, large-dollar individual fraudsters, and businesses that helped facilitate the crimes.

"CFETF member agencies have improved their data analytics capabilities and are using these new skills to investigate fraud more efficiently and effectively," Galdo said.

The Task Force was established in 2021 to fight and prevent pandemic-related fraud.

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At least $1.4B in stolen COVID relief funds seized, Department of Justice says - CNYcentral.com