“Trade fraud directly undermines American agriculture, disadvantages law-abiding domestic producers, and threatens the integrity of our national food and agricultural supply chains,” said USDA Inspector General John Walk. “Partnering with the Department of Justice and the whole of the TFTF’s law enforcement apparatus allows USDA OIG to leverage advanced data analytics and cross-border law enforcement tools. Together, we will ensure that actors throughout the supply chain who attempt to evade customs duties or circumvent U.S. trade laws face full accountability under federal law.”

“A program designed to remedy wrongdoing instead turned into another vector for criminals to defraud the taxpayer. The USDA Office of Inspector General is committed to ensuring taxpayer money is wisely spent. Those who steal from the public can expect to be found and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said USDA Inspector General John Walk.