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White Collar Law & Investigations

Keeping you aprised of the developing regulatory environment that confronts businesses and individuals in virtually any industry. Whether federal or state investigations, enforcement actions, changing enforcement priorities, criminal prosecutions or related civil proceedings, we provide regular coverage and updates that draw on the deep experience.

DOJ and Private Whistleblowers Pursue Marijuana-Related Businesses for Alleged Violations of COVID Relief Loan Policies
Blog April 19, 2024
The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating cannabis and marijuana-related businesses that allegedly took COVID-19 relief loans in violation of federal rules, with third-party actors leveraging a whistleblower policy that allows them to reap a portion of settlement awards for reporting on the cannabis companies…
Health Care Fraud Enforcement in 2024
Blog April 10, 2024
The government had another busy year in 2023 investigating and prosecuting health care fraud cases on multiple fronts. Contending with the enormous health care crises of the now-concluded Covid-19 pandemic and the ongoing opioid epidemic, the government has deployed considerable resources to combat allegedly fraudulent schemes that have resulted in financial loss to the government and individual harm…
Massachusetts U.S. Attorney's Office Joins with Special Inspector General to Investigate CARES Act Fraud
Blog August 05, 2020
The U.S. Attorney's Office in Massachusetts is ramping up its effort to combat fraud related to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) through an agreement to work with the Office of the Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery (“SIGPR”), an office established by the CARES Act to audit and investigate loans and investments made under the CARES Act. The two offices entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to cooperate on the investigation and…
Texas Man Using Online Name Generator Latest to Be Charged with PPP Loan Fraud
Blog May 21, 2020
In the past two weeks, the federal government has charged several individuals in Paycheck Protection Program loan fraud schemes.  The allegations have ranged from applying for loans for non-operating businesses to using loan funds to buy cars and jewelry.  Charges announced this week showed a whole new level of creativity.  A Texas man, Samuel Yates, allegedly used an online name generator to make up the names of hundreds of employees in an effort to obtain a $5 million loan…
DOJ Reportedly Issues PPP-Related Subpoenas to Banks
Blog May 18, 2020
In yet another sign that the federal government is following through on its warnings about PPP loan fraud, the Department of Justice, according to reports from Reuters, has issued grand jury subpoenas to several Wall Street banks related to an investigation into PPP loans.  The subpoenas were reportedly issued by the DOJ's Fraud Section.  The issuance of the subpoenas does not necessarily indicate wrongdoing by the banks…
Purchasing a Rolls-Royce Is Not a Permissible Use of PPP Funds
Blog May 14, 2020
Federal prosecutors continued to quickly respond to PPP loan fraud, bringing two additional cases that allege clear misuse of the funds intended for small businesses.  In one case, prosecutors in Georgia charged reality TV personality Maurice Fayne, aka “Arkansas Mo” of “Love Hip Hop: Atlanta” fame, with bank fraud for allegedly using $1.5 million of a $2 million PPP loan to maintain his luxury lifestyle…
DOJ Brings First Payroll Protection Program-Related Criminal Case
Blog May 06, 2020
On Tuesday, May 5, the Department of Justice (DOJ) filed charges in the federal District Court of Rhode Island against David A. Staveley and David Butziger for conspiracy to make a false statement and conspiracy to commit bank fraud in connection with loan applications made under the federal government's Payroll Protection Program (PPP).  The Complaint alleges that Staveley of Andover, Massachusetts, and Butziger of Warwick, Rhode Island…

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The Foley Hoag White Collar Law & Investigations blog addresses the developing regulatory environment that confronts businesses and individuals in virtually any industry.  Whether federal or state investigations, enforcement actions, changing enforcement priorities, criminal prosecutions or related civil proceedings, the White Collar Law & Investigations blog will provide regular coverage and updates that draw on the deep experience of Foley Hoag’s White Collar Crime & Government Investigations practice.

Our attorneys have represented companies and executives in criminal, regulatory, and civil investigations involving a wide range of governmental authorities – the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney’s Offices, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Congressional oversight committees, state Attorneys General, and numerous federal and state departments and agencies. Our clients include global, national and regional companies in many industries: technology; pharmaceuticals and medical devices; health care; financial services; securities; insurance; environmental technology; manufacturing; and government.

The White Collar Law & Investigations blog will reflect the breadth of this experience and knowledge. Please contact us to share your thoughts on the blog or if we can assist you in navigating today’s complex regulatory environment.