On May 12, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a memorandum outlining new priorities in the fight against white-collar crime, with an emphasis on high-impact conduct that threatens national security, the financial system, and the country’s economic competitiveness.
Key areas of focus include fraud involving healthcare programs, as well as violations of the Controlled Substances Act and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA).
Another top priority is the fight against drug cartels, recently designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs). Investigations will focus on bribery, money laundering, tariff evasion, and corporate support for criminal or terrorist networks.
The memorandum also expands the corporate whistleblower pilot program, offering greater incentives to individuals who report crimes such as fraud, money laundering, or links to cartels.
Finally, the DOJ mandates streamlining investigations, shortening their duration when possible, and limiting the use of external monitors to strictly necessary cases. The DOJ’s goal is to optimize the enforcement of justice and reduce unnecessary burdens on companies that cooperate with authorities and implement corrective measures.
