DOJ Applies False Claims Act to Tariff and Trade Violations

What if your trade compliance misstep became tomorrow’s federal prosecution headline? In this episode, Michael Volkov issues a powerful warning to corporate leaders and compliance professionals: the DOJ is no longer treating trade violations as minor infractions—they're targeting them as fraud under the False Claims Act. With trade compliance now framed as a national security issue, this administration is on a mission to protect domestic industries and punish companies that cut corners. If your organization engages in international trade—especially with China—this episode is a must-listen.

You’ll hear him discuss:

• Why corporate leaders should not confuse the pause in FCPA enforcement with a wider drop in corporate prosecutions, as the DOJ is intensifying its focus on other high-risk areas like customs and trade compliance
• How the False Claims Act is being used to prosecute companies for tariff evasion, misclassification of goods, and country-of-origin fraud, creating major new exposure for import-heavy businesses
• The administration’s positioning of trade compliance as a national security priority, which signals tougher penalties and more aggressive enforcement tactics
• Examples of recent DOJ cases, including multimillion-dollar settlements with Barco Uniforms, International Vitamins Corporation, and Danco Laboratories, that highlight how quickly companies can become targets
• The expanding role of whistleblowers under new DOJ incentives, making it more likely that internal missteps will be reported and investigated
• Why supply chains involving China and other flagged jurisdictions are under heightened scrutiny, and how companies can prepare for increased oversight
• The risks of becoming a public example of trade fraud, and the steps companies should take now to stay ahead of enforcement and protect their brand and bottom line

Resources

Michael Volkov on LinkedIn | Twitter

The Volkov Law Group