DOJ Fraud Section Hits Record $16 Billion in Tracked Losses as Federal Crackdown Accelerates
The DOJ fraud section tracked $16 billion in intended losses in 2025, a record. A patent examiner paid $500K. Governor Walz testifies March 4 on $9 billion in Minnesota fraud.
DOJ Fraud Section Hits Record $16 Billion in Tracked Losses as Federal Crackdown Accelerates The DOJ fraud section tracked $16 billion in intended losses in 2025, a record. A patent examiner paid $500K. Governor Walz testifies March 4 on $9 billion in Minnesota fraud. February 27, 2026 Key Takeaways: The DOJ fraud section charged 265 people in 2025 and tracked $16 billion in intended fraud losses , a record and more than double 2024. A USPTO patent examiner will pay $500,000 for reviewing applications at companies where she held major financial stakes. Governor Tim Walz and AG Keith Ellison will testify under oath March 4 on an estimated $9 billion in Minnesota welfare fraud. Three things happened this week that show the federal government is serious about fraud enforcement in every direction. On Tuesday, the DOJ announced patent examiner Daxin Wu will pay $500,000 to settle allegations she reviewed patent applications for companies where she held between $140,000 and $900,000 in stock. She examined at least nine applications with direct financial conflicts. A 2024 Inspector General report estimated roughly 30% of USPTO examiners may have similar undetected conflicts. On Wednesday, Colin McDonald, Trump's pick to lead the new National Fraud Enforcement Division , testified before Congress and said he would pursue prosecutions "without fear or favor." The DOJ's fraud section charged 265 people in 2025 and tracked $16 billion in intended fraud losses , more than double the prior year. The same day, Chairman Comer announced Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison will testify under oath on March 4 about an estimated $9 billion in welfare fraud across Minnesota's social services. 98 defendants have been charged. 64 convicted. Federal prosecutors est