New White-Collar Crime Enforcement Strategy

Regulation Name: White-Collar Crime Enforcement Plan
Date Of Release: 12 May 2025
Region: United States
Agency: Department of Justice

DOJ Unveils New White-Collar Crime Enforcement Strategy: Focus on Fraud, National Security, and Corporate Accountability

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced a sweeping update to its white-collar crime enforcement policies, emphasizing a targeted, fair, and efficient approach to prosecuting corporate misconduct and financial fraud. In a memorandum released by Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Criminal Division, the DOJ outlined its priorities, signaling a shift toward high-impact cases that protect American taxpayers, investors, and national security.

Key Enforcement Priorities

The DOJ will concentrate on prosecuting crimes that pose the greatest threats to the U.S., including:

-Large-scale fraud (healthcare, defense spending, and government programs).

-Trade and tariff evasion undermining U.S. businesses.

-Securities fraud, particularly scams involving Chinese-linked Variable Interest Entities (VIEs).

-Money laundering networks, especially those tied to Chinese Money Laundering Organizations and drug cartels.

-Sanctions evasion and material support to terrorist groups.

-Digital asset crimes, including crypto fraud and blockchain-facilitated drug trafficking.

Fairness & Corporate Cooperation

The memo stresses holding individuals accountable—executives, employees, and bad actors—while offering leniency to companies that self-report misconduct, cooperate, and remediate violations. Key changes include:

-Revised Corporate Enforcement Policy (CEP): Clearer incentives for voluntary disclosure, including potential reduced fines and shorter probation terms.

-Limited use of compliance monitors—only imposed when absolutely necessary.

-Early termination of existing corporate settlements for companies that demonstrate reform.

Efficiency Reforms

To avoid prolonged investigations that burden businesses, the DOJ will:

-Expedite charging decisions and avoid unnecessary delays.

-Narrowly tailor monitorships to minimise disruption.

Whistleblower Incentives Expanded

The DOJ’s Corporate Whistleblower Awards Program now covers cartel-related crimes, sanctions violations, and trade fraud, rewarding tips that lead to asset forfeiture.

Conclusion

The new policy reflects a balanced approach: aggressive prosecution of serious financial crimes while reducing overreach that stifles legitimate business. By prioritizing national security, investor protection, and corporate accountability, the DOJ aims to safeguard the U.S. economy while ensuring justice for victims.

Read the full plan here.

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