Justice Department expands fraud office’s prosecutorial reach

Published August 17, 2026 2:51pm ET | Updated August 17, 2026 2:51pm ET



The Justice Department is expanding the reach of its new fraud division, allowing the office to prosecute any federal offenses uncovered during investigations that begin with suspected fraud, according to a final rule scheduled for publication Tuesday.

The 10-page final rule formalizes powers held by Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald, the leader of the National Fraud Enforcement Division under the Trump administration. It gives his office jurisdiction over criminal fraud, tax crimes, customs and tariff matters, healthcare fraud, and proceedings involving money owed to or paid by the federal government.

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