Good morning, listeners. The most significant headline out of the Department of Justice this week centers on sweeping new white-collar crime enforcement priorities and policy changes, announced by DOJ Criminal Division Chief Matthew Galeotti on May 12. These moves represent a clear shift in how the agency balances prosecuting corporate wrongdoing with supporting American innovation and minimizing unnecessary burdens on businesses.
Galeotti’s memo, titled “Focus, Fairness, and Efficiency in the Fight Against White-Collar Crime,” lays out three core principles for prosecutors: sharpen investigative focus, pursue fairness with paths to leniency for companies that self-disclose and cooperate, and ensure efficiency by limiting heavy-handed compliance monitorships except when truly necessary. The priorities target fraud that directly impacts vulnerable taxpayers, including health care fraud, federal program abuse, and scams hitting investors and the elderly. Special attention is being paid to international cartels, trade and customs fraud, and opioid-related crimes—especially counterfeit pills. According to Galeotti, these changes aim to “strike an appropriate balance between vigorous prosecution and minimizing unnecessary burdens on American enterprise.”
For American citizens, the DOJ’s renewed focus on health care and drug fraud could mean increased protection from schemes that drive up costs or jeopardize safety, such as counterfeit fentanyl-laced medications. Meanwhile, businesses and organizations now have clearer incentives to cooperate with investigations—a move that could reduce the risk of disruptive monitoring or prosecution for those that proactively engage and self-report wrongdoing. Legal analysts at Covington and Sidley Austin highlight the expansion of whistleblower priorities and more transparent guidelines for imposing compliance monitors, meaning corporations must invest in robust compliance programs or risk significant penalties.
State and local governments stand to benefit from enhanced DOJ support targeting high-impact fraud, especially in public programs. Internationally, policies echo the Trump administration’s ongoing fight against transnational criminal organizations and cartel activity, with Attorney General Pam Bondi’s directives focusing on interdiction and asset seizures, bringing closer cooperation with foreign law enforcement.
The DOJ’s recent budget allocations have been redirected, with the Council on Criminal Justice reporting deeper spending cuts in administrative areas but increased resources dedicated to enforcement and whistleblower programs. The 2024-2025 Medal of Valor nomination period remains open, spotlighting exceptional public safety officers who have demonstrated heroism—citizens can submit nominations through October 3.
Looking ahead, listeners should watch for new FCPA enforcement guidelines after the current pause expires in August and monitor upcoming deadlines for corporate cooperation disclosures. Business leaders and compliance professionals can access updated DOJ training through JustGrants and the Office of Justice Programs, while all citizens are encouraged to engage by nominating public safety officers and following DOJ’s news portal for further updates.
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