California reclaims £2.7 billion from fraudsters in sweeping crackdown
California has recovered nearly £2.7 billion in taxpayer money since 2016 through fraud investigations and legal action. The state's efforts have targeted schemes involving healthcare, taxes, and pandemic relief. Officials say these measures help protect vital services for low-income residents.
The California Department of Justice has pursued thousands of cases in recent years. Between 2016 and now, 2,490 criminal investigations and 1,121 civil probes were launched. These led to fraud-related charges against 958 individuals.
One major success involved a Riverside County restaurant owner who failed to report sales. The state recovered £9 million in untaxed revenue and £1 million in owed taxes from this single case. Meanwhile, the Tax Recovery in Underground Economy task force retrieved over £108 million.
Healthcare fraud has also been a key focus. Criminal prosecutions alone brought back nearly £740 million lost to Medi-Cal fraud. The state's False Claims Act helped reclaim almost £2 billion in total. Attorney General Rob Bonta noted that fraudsters operate nationwide, regardless of political leanings.
The department has tackled schemes tied to COVID-19 aid, behavioural health, recycling, and tax evasion. Residents can report suspected Medi-Cal fraud via the DOJ's website, a toll-free hotline, or by post.
The recovered funds support California's social programs, including food and healthcare for low-income families. With ongoing investigations and public reporting channels, the state continues to combat financial crimes. Officials stress that fraud prevention remains a priority across all sectors.
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