The Acting Attorney General issued a memorandum on April 7, 2026, establishing a new National Fraud Enforcement Division (NFED) within the Department of Justice, signaling an escalation in federal enforcement of fraud against taxpayer-funded programs.
The NFED consolidates existing DOJ fraud units — including the Tax Section, Health Care Fraud Unit, and Market, Government, and Consumer Fraud Unit — under unified leadership. Every U.S. Attorney’s Office must designate a dedicated fraud prosecutor within 21 days, and each office is directed to ensure fraud cases are adequately staffed and diligently pursued.
The Division is directed to establish a National Fraud Detection Center to proactively identify fraud across taxpayer-funded programs and generate investigative leads. The FBI is being directed to increase agents, analysts, and forensic accountants focused on these cases. Notably, the Civil Division will also coordinate with NFED, indicating both criminal and civil enforcement tools — including False Claims Act actions — will be used.
The memorandum directs the Office of Legal Policy to recommend strengthening existing fraud laws, regulations, and penalties within the next 90 days.