False Claims Act Recoveries in FY 2018: A Quantitative Review

On December 21, 2018, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) released its False Claims Act (FCA) recovery results for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018. It was another strong year for FCA judgments and settlements for the DOJ, which recovered over $2.8 billion from civil cases involving false claims and other related fraud. There were 767 new False Claim Act matters initiated in FY 2018, a decrease of fifty-eight from FY 2017.

Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General Jesse Panuccio stated, “The nearly three billion dollars recovered by the Civil Division represents the Department’s continued commitment to fighting fraudsters and cheats on behalf of the American taxpayer.” FCA enforcement in FY 2018 was notable for its continued high level of recoveries and the changing complexion of frauds committed. Assistant Attorney General Jody Hunt added, “The Department of Justice has placed a high priority on rooting out and pursuing those who cheat government programs for their own gain. The recoveries announced today are a message that fraud and dishonesty will not be tolerated.”