In Fiscal Year 2025, the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit (ACE Unit) of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of West Virginia surpassed $250 million in total recoveries from False Claims Act and Controlled Substances Act cases since it began tracking this data in 2003.
The ACE Unit focuses on recovering damages related to government fraud, including health care fraud, COVID-19-related fraud, and contractor fraud. It also seeks civil penalties against health care professionals involved in the illegal diversion of controlled substances.
United States Attorney Matthew L. Harvey commented on the achievement: “Combatting fraud, waste, and abuse of government funds and preventing the illegal diversion of controlled substances, such as opioids, are among our top priorities. Congratulations to the ACE Unit on reaching this milestone and be aware we intend to increase our efforts in the new year to continue to maximize these types of recoveries.”
During Fiscal Year 2025 alone, the unit collected $5,324,902 in recoveries. The largest civil settlement involved four labor organizations that agreed to pay about $5.1 million after being accused of violating the False Claims Act by obtaining Paycheck Protection Program loans despite being ineligible.
In addition to these recoveries, nearly $1.5 million was secured for crime victims through restitution and asset forfeiture actions. The office also obtained forfeiture of firearms and other property linked to criminal offenses.
