July 17, 2025

🗣️Another week, another opportunity to blow the whistle, learn more about the latest government enforcement actions, and catch up on whistleblower-related news. In this week's edition...

⚖️The DOJ announced a new False Claims Act Working Group with the Department of Health and Human Services “to advance priority enforcement areas.” This is another indication the Trump Administration strongly supports using the False Claims Act to go after fraud.

🔐Cybersecurity, IT, and contract issues. A federal contractor agreed to pay $14.75 million to settle DOJ charges it violated the False Claims Act.

❓We tackled a whistleblower question of the week answering why time is of the essence if you believe you have a case and want to report fraud or misconduct. 

If you're in the heatwave, stay cool.

  DOJ Announces False Claims Act Working Group Targeting Healthcare Fraud, Sending the Call Out For Whistleblowers to Help

On July 2, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the creation of a Working Group with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) “to advance priority enforcement areas” under the False Claims Act. It follows what DOJ describes as a “long history” of partnering with HHS to use the statute to go after healthcare fraud. 

Read the full story here.

  Whistleblower Question of the Week: What’s the Risk in Waiting to Blow the Whistle?

When it comes to reporting fraud or misconduct, timing matters. It is important to consult an experienced whistleblower attorney as soon as you think you may have a case. Acting quickly can mean the difference between a strong case and one that risks dismissal or a reduced whistleblower award. Read some key reasons why waiting to blow the whistle can cost you.

Read the full story here.

 Hill Associates to Pay $14.75 Million to Settle False Claims Act Charges of Cybersecurity and Other IT Contract Failures

On July 14, Maryland-based federal contractor Hill Associates agreed to pay at least $14.75 million to settle DOJ charges it violated the False Claims Act by violating several key provisions of its General Services Administration contract for information technology services. Hill’s payout would have been higher but for the company’s ability to pay a larger penalty.

Read the full story here.

In Case You Missed It:

• Busted: DOJ Announces $14.6B Health Care Fraud in Historic Takedown
  
  
• A Case Over $14M Whistleblower Award Serves as a Reminder of Benefits and Risks of Co-Whistleblowers Working Together
  
  
• Fifth Constantine Cannon Law School Scholarship Essay Contest On Whistleblowers