RALEIGH, N.C. — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (National Fraud Enforcement Division), published as received.

RALEIGH, N.C. - On Monday, October 5, 2026, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of NC held its 5th annual Economic Crimes Summit in Raleigh, North Carolina. 

This year’s summit had the privilege of Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (NFED) headlining as the keynote speaker. AAG McDonald and Boyle focused on national and local efforts to concentrate attention on the previously ignored massive fraud schemes across the country. As international governments and gangs, local and national criminal groups, and individual offenders continue to exploit government programs, financial systems, and vulnerable people, Americans face rising financial losses. As fraud grows in size and complexity, it causes headaches, ruins families, and can significantly disrupt small businesses.

“Our fraud mission is national in scope but local in execution,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division. “The strength of our enforcement efforts depends on the collaborative efforts of the partners found at this summit. I commend the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina for organizing this event and for fostering a community of dedicated individuals united in service to our country.”

“Fraud harms everyone. I’m a taxpayer. You’re a taxpayer. They are stealing our money, and the citizens we could help are feeling the pinch,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “They steal taxpayer dollars, undermine trust in public programs, and target some of our most vulnerable citizens in Eastern North Carolina. Our office is committed to holding these vultures and hyenas accountable and working with partners nationwide to protect the public. Know this: if you steal taxpayer dollars in the EDNC, we will find you, we will prosecute you, and a cold concrete federal prison box awaits you. Cheaters. Never. Win.”

To combat the ever-growing fraud epidemic, the Economic Crimes Summit brought together over 175 primary agency partners such as the FBI, IRS-CI, HSI, HHS, VA-OIG, SBI, SHP, USDA, Department of Insurance, along with many other state and local partners to network, learn from specific training, receive guidance on priorities, and support the ongoing implementation of the NFED. A wide range of state and federal agencies collaborate and cooperate to investigate economic crimes, and fraudsters against federal programs in the EDNC. 

The Summit highlighted the contributions to the work of the NFED. DOJ created NFED in early 2026 as a centralized unit to investigate and prosecute fraud against taxpayer dollars, federal programs, and other government-funded initiatives. President Donald J. Trump announced the creation of the NFED in January 2026, commissioning it with a broad mandate to enforce federal criminal and civil laws against fraud targeting federal programs, federally funded benefits, businesses, nonprofits, and private citizens. The NFED’s mission includes investigating and prosecuting fraud against taxpayer funds and programs, coordinating with agencies administering benefit programs, partnering with federal, tribal, state, territorial, and local law enforcement, developing systems and processes for efficient fraud detection, and providing prosecutors and law enforcement with advanced tools and resources.

For too long, fraudster piggies fed at the trough of federal programs without any oversight. No more. Federal agencies across the country have renewed their robust authority to strengthen oversight, pursue investigations, improve coordination, and provide training to law enforcement and prosecutors so they can detect and stop fraudulent activity more quickly. However, law enforcement alone cannot solve this problem. American citizens play a crucial role in preventing fraud by staying alert and reporting suspicious activity. Simple steps—guard personal information, verify the identity of anyone requesting sensitive details, and regularly checking financial and medical statements—can stop scams before they explode. Communities also strengthen fraud prevention when they talk openly about common schemes, especially those targeting older adults. When people recognize red flags early and quickly report concerns to the proper authorities, they help protect public programs, safeguard taxpayer dollars, and prevent others from falling victim.

The EDNC U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue prioritizing cases that safeguard taxpayers, support victims, and reinforce integrity across federal programs. The EDNC thanks AAG McDonald for his attention to this matter and will pull out all stops to achieve the NFED mission. One diverted penny is too much. Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement

A copy of this press release is located on our website.