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Combating Tax Fraud: The IRS Whistleblower Program

Much like the whistleblower procedure under the False Claims Act, the Internal Revenue Service maintains a whistleblower program whereby relators can relay information concerning possible tax fraud in exchange for the opportunity to receive a percentage of the ultimate recovery. While it is utilized less than the False Claims Act— […]

Optometry and Cardiology Fraud: Recently Unsealed Whistleblower Cases

In yesterday’s post, we examined some of the trends in recently unsealed qui tam lawsuits as surveyed by the National Law Review.[1.  “September Health Care Qui Tam Update,” The National Law Review, September 21, 2015, http://www.natlawreview.com/article/september-health-care-qui-tam-update] Of the 39 unsealed cases that were surveyed, many involve allegations of wasteful, and even […]

Healthcare Fraud Unsealed: Recently-Unsealed Whistleblower Lawsuits Show Variety of Fraudulent Medical Claims

Under the terms of the False Claims Act, an original whistleblower complaint must be filed confidentially under seal within a federal district court. From there, the Department of Justice receives notice of the lawsuit and is afforded an opportunity to investigate the allegations on its own. In about 20 percent […]

Adventist Health System Pays Massive $118 Million False Claims Act Settlement

In yet another case of illegal kickbacks and unlawful referrals, Florida-based Adventist Health System has agreed to pay $118 million to the federal government pursuant to several successful whistleblower actions filed by former employees of the corporation. Adventist is a non-for-profit healthcare corporation that manages facilities in ten states. According […]

Aluminum Importer Agrees to Settle False Claims Act Allegations Over Import Duties

In a recent settlement under the False Claims Act, two individuals have agreed to pay $435,000 to resolve allegations they “skirted” their obligation to pay duties on aluminum extrusions imported from Chinese aluminum manufacturer Tai Shan Golden Gain Aluminum Products. The defendants, who hail from New Jersey and Texas, will […]