DOJ Elevates Trade Fraud to Top Enforcement Priority

The U.S. Department of Justice's new National Fraud Enforcement Division has identified 'global trade and commerce' as a core enforcement priority, marking a significant shift in customs enforcement. This means conduct previously addressed through administrative penalties may now face coordinated scrutiny from federal prosecutors, civil fraud attorneys, and False Claims Act relators. The new directive emphasizes targeting 'systemic, high-impact noncompliance' including illicit transshipment and country-of-origin fraud, aiming to protect American industry and national security.