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Volume 5: Bankruptcy Fraud & Abuse Enforcement Program

CHAPTER 5-1: POLICY AND DUTY TO INVESTIGATE AND REFER

5-1.1 POLICY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
5-1.2 DUTY TO INVESTIGATE AND REFER
5-1.2.1 United States Trustee, 28 U.S.C. § 586(a)(3)(F)
5-1.2.2 Judges and Private Trustees, 18 U.S.C. § 3057(a)
5-1.2.3 Chapter 11 Trustees and Examiners, 11 U.S.C. §§ 1106(a)(3) & (4)


CHAPTER 5-2: DETECTING FRAUD AND ABUSE

5-2.1 DETECTION BY THE UNITED STATES TRUSTEE
5-2.1.1 Section 341 Meetings
5-2.1.2 Rule 2004 Examinations
5-2.1.3 Use of Outside Agencies to Verify Accuracy of Information on Petition and Schedules
5-2.1.4 On-line Investigative Public Records Information
5-2.1.5 Investigations Must Have Legitimate Civil Purpose
5-2.2 THIRD PARTY SOURCES
5-2.2.1 Referrals from Panel and Standing Trustees
5-2.2.2 Complaints from Various Third Parties
5-2.2.3 Third Party Motions, Adversary Proceedings, and Rule 2004 Examinations


CHAPTER 5-3: REFERRALS TO LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES

5-3.1 PRIOR APPROVAL FOR CERTAIN REFERRALS
5-3.1.1 Public Officials and Private Trustees or Their Employees
5-3.1.2 Referrals Outside the Federal System
5-3.2 PRIOR CONSULTATION WITH THE UNITED STATES ATTORNEY
5-3.2.1 Formulating Mutual Policies on Referrals
5-3.2.2 Consultation Regarding a Particular Referral
5-3.3 THE REFERRAL PACKAGE
5-3.3.1 Tailoring the Package
5-3.3.2 Introductory Paragraph
5-3.3.3 The Narrative
5-3.3.4 Summary Information
5-3.3.5 General Information
5-3.3.6 Other Procedural Requirements


CHAPTER 5-4: DECLINATION OF REFERRED CASES BY THE UNITED STATES ATTORNEY

5-4.1 REPORT OF DECLINATION TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
5-4.2 APPEAL OF DECISION BY UNITED STATES ATTORNEY NOT TO PROSECUTE


CHAPTER 5-5: TRACKING CRIMINAL REFERRALS

5-5.1 TRACKING WITHIN THE UNITED STATES TRUSTEE PROGRAM
5-5.1.1 Tracking by the Office of Review and Oversight
5-5.1.2 Tracking Within the Region/Office
5-5.2 CASE TRACKING WITHIN THE UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE


CHAPTER 5-6: DISCLOSURE OF REFERRALS

5-6.1 NEED FOR CONFIDENTIALITY OF REFERRALS
5-6.2 DISCOVERY OF A UNITED STATES TRUSTEE'S CRIMINAL REFERRAL


CHAPTER 5-7: ALLEGATIONS INVOLVING LOSS OF ESTATE ASSETS BY A PRIVATE TRUSTEE OR AN EMPLOYEE OR AGENT OF A PRIVATE TRUSTEE

5-7.1 GENERALLY
5-7.2 PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT AND REPORT TO THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE
5-7.2.1 Actions if No Loss Has Occurred
5-7.2.2 Actions if Loss Has Occurred
5-7.3 DISCUSSIONS OR NEGOTIATIONS REGARDING LOSSES
5-7.4 ADDITIONAL ACTIONS IF TRUSTEE RESIGNATION OR REMOVAL MAY BE SOUGHT
5-7.5 INVESTIGATION OF A TRUSTEE'S FINANCIAL RECORDS
5-7.6 CRIMINAL REFERRAL


CHAPTER 5-8: BANKRUPTCY CRIMES

5-8.1 BANKRUPTCY REFORM ACT OF 1994
5-8.2 GENERAL ISSUES
5-8.2.1 Definition of "Knowingly and Fraudulently"
5-8.2.2 Statute of Limitation
5-8.2.3 Attorney-Client Privilege
5-8.2.4 Fifth Amendment Privilege
5-8.2.5 Statutory Penalties
5-8.2.6 Protective Orders/Confidentiality Agreements
5-8.3 OVERVIEW OF 18 U.S.C § 152 VIOLATIONS
5-8.3.1 Fraudulent Concealment of Property, 18 U.S.C. § 152(1)
5-8.3.1.1 Elements of the Offense
5-8.3.2 False Oath, Declaration, Account, Verification, or Statement, 18 U.S.C. § 152(2)
5-8.3.2.1 Elements of the Offense
5-8.3.3 False Declarations, 18 U.S.C. § 152(3)
5-8.3.4 False Claims, 18 U.S.C. § 152(4)
5-8.3.4.1 Elements of the Offense
5-8.3.5 Fraudulent Receipt of Property, 18 U.S.C. § 152(5)
5-8.3.5.1 Elements of the Offense
5-8.3.6 Extortion and Bribery, 18 U.S.C. § 152(6)
5-8.3.6.1 Elements of the Offense
5-8.3.7 Fraudulent Transfer or Concealment, 18 U.S.C. § 152(7)
5-8.3.7.1 Elements of the Offense
5-8.3.8 Fraudulent Destruction or Alteration of Documents, 18 U.S.C. § 152(8)
5-8.3.8.1 Elements of the Offense
5-8.3.9 Fraudulent Withholding of Documents, 18 U.S.C. § 152(9)
5-8.3.9.1 Elements of the Offense
5-8.4 EMBEZZLEMENT AGAINST THE ESTATE
5-8.4.1 18 U.S.C. § 153
5-8.4.1.1 Definition of Officer and Custodian
5-8.4.1.2 Elements of the Offense
5-8.4.2 18 U.S.C. § 645
5-8.4.2.1 Differences from 18 U.S.C. § 153
5-8.4.2.2 Elements of the Offense
5-8.4.3 Adverse Interest and Conduct of Officers, 18 U.S.C. § 154
5-8.4.3.1 Elements of the Offense--Improperly Acquiring Property of Estate
5-8.4.3.2 Elements of the Offense--Improperly Refusing Access to Books and Records
5-8.5 FEE AGREEMENTS, 18 U.S.C. § 155
5-8.5.1 Elements of the Offense
5-8.6 KNOWING DISREGARD OF BANKRUPTCY LAW OR RULE, 18 U.S.C. § 156
5-8.6.1 Elements of the Offense
5-8.7 BANKRUPTCY FRAUD, 18 U.S.C. § 157
5-8.7.1 Elements of the Offense


CHAPTER 5-9: OTHER BANKRUPTCY RELATED CRIMES

5-9.1 MISPRISION OF A FELONY, 18 U.S.C. § 4
5-9.1.1 Elements of the Offense
5-9.2 BRIBERY OF PUBLIC OFFICIALS AND WITNESSES, 18 U.S.C. § 201
5-9.3 CONSPIRACY, 18 U.S.C. § 371
5-9.3.1 Conspiracy to Defraud the United States
5-9.3.2 Conspiracy to Violate Laws of the United States
5-9.4 CONTEMPT OF COURT, 18 U.S.C. §§ 401 AND 402
5-9.4.1 What Constitutes Contempt
5-9.4.2 Authority of the Bankruptcy Court
5-9.4.3 Authority of the District Court
5-9.5 THEFT AND EMBEZZLEMENT FROM EMPLOYEE PENSION PLANS, 18 U.S.C. § 664 44
5-9.5.1 Elements of the Offense
5-9.6 ARSON INVOLVING INTERSTATE COMMERCE, 18 U.S.C. § 844(i)
5-9.6.1 Elements of the Offense
5-9.7 FALSE STATEMENTS AND SCHEMES, 18 U.S.C. § 1001
5-9.7.1 Differences from 18 U.S.C. § 152
5-9.7.2 Statements Made to Courts
5-9.7.3 Elements of the Offense
5-9.8 FALSE STATEMENTS TO FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, 18 U.S.C. § 1014
5-9.8.1 Relationship to 18 U.S.C. § 152
5-9.8.2 Elements of the Offense
5-9.9 MAIL, WIRE, AND BANK FRAUD, 18 U.S.C. §§ 1341-44
5-9.9.1 Elements of the Offenses
5-9.10 OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE, 18 U.S.C. §§ 1503 AND 1505
5-9.10.1 Elements of the Offenses
5-9.11 OBSTRUCTION OF COURT ORDERS, 18 U.S.C. § 1509
5-9.11.1 Elements of the Offense
5-9.12 TAMPERING WITH WITNESSES OR VICTIMS, 18 U.S.C. § 1512
5-9.13 FALSE STATEMENTS IN A JUDICIAL PROCEEDING, 18 U.S.C. §§ 1621 AND 1623
5-9.13.1 Use of 18 U.S.C. § 1623 over § 1621
5-9.13.2 Elements of the Offenses
5-9.14 RECEIVER MISMANAGING PROPERTY, 18 U.S.C.§ 1911
5-9.14.1 Application in Chapter 11 Cases to Debtor in Possession
5-9.14.2 Elements of the Offense
5-9.15 MONEY LAUNDERING, 18 U.S.C. §§ 1956 AND 1957
5-9.15.1 Illegal "Financial Transactions," 18 U.S.C. § 1956(a)(1)
5-9.15.2 Illegal "Transporting Funds or Monetary Instruments," 18 U.S.C. § 1956(a)(2)
5-9.15.3 Illegal Use of "Financial Institution," 18 U.S.C. § 1957(a)
5-9.16 RACKETEER INFLUENCED AND CORRUPT ORGANIZATIONS (RICO), 18 U.S.C. §§ 1961 AND 1962
5-9.17 INTERSTATE TRANSPORTATION OF STOLEN PROPERTY, 18 U.S.C. § 2314
5-9.18 SALE OR RECEIPT OF STOLEN PROPERTY, 18 U.S.C. § 2315
5-9.19 FRAUDULENT USE OF CREDIT CARDS, 15 U.S.C. § 1644
5-9.20 EQUITY SKIMMING, 12 U.S.C. § 1709-2
5-9.21 TAX OFFENSES
5-9.21.1 Tax Evasion, 26 U.S.C. § 7201
5-9.21.2 Failure to Pay Withholding Taxes, 26 U.S.C. § 7202
5-9.21.3 Failure to File, 26 U.S.C. § 7203
5-9.21.4 Fraud And False Statements, 26 U.S.C. § 7206
5-9.22 REPORTING MONETARY TRANSACTIONS, 31 U.S.C. §§ 5311-28
5-9.23 USE OF FALSE SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER, 42 U.S.C. § 408(a)(7)(B)


CHAPTER 5-10: COMMON FRAUD SCHEMES INVOLVING BANKRUPTCY

5-10.1 GENERALLY
5-10.2 BUSTOUTS
5-10.2.1 Examples of Bustouts
5-10.2.1.1 Consumer Products Distributors
5-10.2.1.2 Retail Bustouts
5-10.2.1.3 Tax Bustouts
5-10.2.1.4 Credit Card Bustouts
5-10.2.1.5 Travel Agency Bustouts
5-10.2.2 Red Flags/Common Characteristics of a Bustout
5-10.3 BLEEDOUTS
5-10.3.1 Examples of Bleedouts
5-10.3.1.1 Corporate Raider Bleedouts
5-10.3.1.2 "White Knight" Bleedouts
5-10.3.1.3 Parallel Entities
5-10.3.1.4 Insider Sales
5-10.3.2 Red Flags/Common Characteristics of a Bleedout
5-10.4 PONZI (INVESTOR FRAUD) SCHEMES
5-10.4.1 Examples of Ponzi (Investor Fraud) Schemes
5-10.4.1.1 Real Estate Schemes
5-10.4.1.2 Church and Ethnic Schemes
5-10.4.1.3 Overseas Funds Needing U.S. Investment
5-10.4.1.4 Advanced Fee Swindle
5-10.4.2 Red Flags/Common Characteristics in a Ponzi (Investor Fraud) Scheme
5-10.5 HEALTH CARE AND WELFARE FRAUD
5-10.5.1 Examples of Health Care and Welfare Fraud
5-10.5.1.1 Bogus Health Care Plans
5-10.5.1.2 Theft of Employee Contributions for Health Insurance
5-10.5.1.3 Sham Facilities
5-10.5.2 Red Flags/Common Characteristics in Health Care or Welfare Fraud Scheme
5-10.6 RENT/EQUITY SKIMMING
5-10.6.1 Examples of Rent/Equity Skims
5-10.6.1.1 Rent/Equity Skim
5-10.6.1.2 Property Title Skim
5-10.6.2 Red Flags/Common Characteristics in a Rent/Equity Skimming Scheme
5-10.7 CONCEALMENT AND FALSE STATEMENTS
5-10.7.1 Examples of Concealment
5-10.7.1.1 Failure to Schedule Assets
5-10.7.1.2 Undervalued Assets
5-10.7.1.3 Transfer of Assets Prepetition
5-10.7.1.4 Transfer of Assets Postpetition
5-10.7.2 Red Flags/Common Characteristics in Cases of Concealment and False Statements
5-10.8 COLLUSIVE INVOLUNTARY BANKRUPTCY
5-10.8.1 Red Flags/Common Characteristics in a Collusive Involuntary Scheme
5-10.9 STRAW BUYER/FICTITIOUS BIDDER
5-10.9.1 Examples of Straw Buyer/Fictitious Bidder
5-10.9.1.1 Kickbacks
5-10.9.1.2 Straw Sales
5-10.9.2 Red Flags/Common Characteristics in a Straw Buyer/Fictitious Bidder Scheme
5-10.10 SERIAL FILERS
5-10.10.1 Red Flags/Common Characteristics in a Serial Filer Scheme
5-10.11 CREDITOR FRAUD
5-10.11.1 Examples of Creditor Fraud
5-10.11.1.1 False Proofs of Claim
5-10.11.1.2 Automatic Stay/Extortion
5-10.11.1.3 False Invoices
5-10.11.1.4 Secured Creditor Fraud
5-10.12 FRAUDULENT PETITION MILLS
5-10.12.1 Examples of Petition Mills
5-10.12.1.1 Financial Counseling Skim
5-10.12.1.2 Property Title Skim
5-10.12.1.3 Petition Mill
5-10.12.1.4 Scrivener Typing Services
5-10.12.1.5 Legal Advice Typing Services
5-10.12.2 Red Flags/Common Characteristics in a Petition Mill Scheme


CHAPTER 5-11: GRAND JURY PROCEEDINGS

5-11.1 FUNCTION AND USE OF A GRAND JURY
5-11.2 SECRECY REQUIREMENTS OF THE GRAND JURY
5-11.3 PROCEDURE TO SECURE USE OF GRAND JURY MATERIAL IN CIVIL PROCEEDINGS


CHAPTER 5-12: IMMUNITY PROVISIONS

5-12.1 STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS
5-12.2 PROCEDURE FOR SECURING IMMUNITY
5-12.3 HANDLING IMMUNIZED INFORMATION


CHAPTER 5-13: PARALLEL PROCEEDINGS

5-13.1 DEFINITION OF PARALLEL PROCEEDINGS
5-13.2 NEED FOR PARALLEL PROCEEDINGS
5-13.3 PROCEDURAL CONSIDERATIONS THAT MAY ARISE
5-13.3.1 Stay of Proceedings
5-13.3.2 Protective Orders
5-13.4 REQUIREMENT TO COORDINATE WITH THE UNITED STATES ATTORNEY
5-13.4.1 Double Jeopardy Issues
5-13.4.2 Before a Criminal Referral is Made
5-13.4.3 After a Criminal Referral is Made


CHAPTER 5-14: SENTENCING PROCEDURES AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5-14.1 SENTENCING GUIDELINES ACT IN BRIEF
5-14.2 APPLICATION OF SENTENCING GUIDELINES ACT TO BANKRUPTCY CASES
5-14.3 FACTORS THAT IMPACT ON SENTENCING
5-14.4 ROLE OF THE UNITED STATES TRUSTEE IN SENTENCING


CHAPTER 5-15: CRIMINAL PROCEDURE IN UNITED STATES ATTORNEYS' OFFICES

5-15.1 GENERAL ORGANIZATION OF UNITED STATES ATTORNEYS' OFFICES
5-15.2 GENERAL PROCEDURE FOR HANDLING BANKRUPTCY CASES
5-15.3 PROSECUTION GUIDELINES OF UNITED STATES ATTORNEYS' OFFICES AND INVESTIGATIVE AGENCIES
5-15.4 REQUIREMENTS OF SPEEDY TRIAL ACT, 18 U.S.C. § 3161


CHAPTER 5-16: ASSISTANCE TO THE UNITED STATES ATTORNEY

5-16.1 STATUTORY AUTHORITY TO ASSIST THE UNITED STATES ATTORNEY
5-16.2 COORDINATION WITH THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE
5-16.3 APPOINTMENT OF UNITED STATES TRUSTEE PROGRAM ATTORNEYS AS SPECIAL ASSISTANT UNITED STATES ATTORNEYS
5-16.3.1 Procedure for Securing Appointment


CHAPTER 5-17: TRAINING RESPONSIBILITIES

5-17.1 REQUIREMENT TO CONDUCT TRAINING FOR PROGRAM PERSONNEL
5-17.2 REQUIREMENT TO CONDUCT TRAINING FOR PANEL TRUSTEES
5-17.3 TRAINING AGENDAS AND OUTLINES


CHAPTER 5-18: FORMATION OF WORKING GROUPS FOR CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION

5-18.1 ESTABLISHMENT OF POINTS OF CONTACT
5-18.2 ESTABLISHMENT OF A WORKING GROUP OR BANKRUPTCY FRAUD TASK FORCE
5-18.3 PARTICIPATION IN THE LAW ENFORCEMENT COORDINATING COUNCIL

CHAPTER 5-19: CIVIL REMEDIES FOR FRAUD AND ABUSE

5-19.1 INTRODUCTION
5-19.2 INITIAL REVIEW OF COMPLAINTS FOR CIVIL REMEDIES
5-19.3 COMMON ABUSES AND CIVIL REMEDIES: CHAPTER 7
5-19.3.1 Abuse: Bad Faith/Improper Purpose
5-19.3.1.1 Remedy: Dismissal Under 11 U.S.C. §707(a) for "Cause"
5-19.3.1.2 Remedy: Dismissal Under 11 U.S.C. §707(b) for "Substantial Abuse" Other Than Debtor's Ability to Pay Debts
5-19.3.1.3 Remedy: Sanctions
5-19.3.1.4 Remedy: Time Bar on Future Filing
5-19.3.2 Abuse: Frivolous/Vexatious Litigation
5-19.3.2.1 Remedy: Injunction
5-19.3.3 Abuse: Refiling after Previous Petition Dismissed "With Prejudice"
5-19.3.3.1 Remedy: Dismissal Based on Res Judicata
5-19.3.4 Abuse: Assertion of 5th Amendment by Debtor
5-19.3.4.1 Remedy: Dismissal if Assertion Precludes Administration of Estate
5-19.3.5 Abuse: Fraudulently Incurred Credit Card Debt
5-19.3.5.1 Remedy: Nondischargeability
5-19.3.6 Abuse: Violation of 11 U.S.C. § 110
5-19.3.6.1 Remedy: Sanctions
5-19.3.7 Abuse: Concealed Assets
5-19.3.7.1 Remedy: Denial of Voluntary Dismissal
5-19.4 COMMON ABUSES AND CIVIL REMEDIES: CHAPTER 11
5-19.4.1 Abuse: Bad Faith
5-19.4.1.1 Remedy: Dismissal
5-19.4.1.2 Remedy: Bar on Refiling Exceeding 180-days
5-19.4.1.3 Remedy: Sanctions Under Rule 9011
5-19.4.1.4 Remedy: Sanctions Under Inherent Power of Bankruptcy Court
5-19.4.2 Abuse: Frivolous/Vexatious Litigation
5-19.4.2.1 Remedy: Sanctions
5-19.4.3 Abuse: Concealed Assets--Conversion from Chapter 7 to Chapter 11 After Discovery of Undisclosed Assets
5-19.4.3.1 Remedy: Reconversion/Appointment of Trustee
5-19.4.4 Abuse: Unauthorized Practice of Law
5-19.4.4.1 Remedy: Disgorgement and Injunction
5-19.4.5 Abuse: Unauthorized Filing
5-19.4.5.1 Remedy: Dismissal
5-19.4.5.2 Remedy: Rule 9011 Sanctions
5-19.5 COMMON ABUSES AND CIVIL REMEDIES: CHAPTER 13
5-19.5.1 Abuse: Failure to Attend Creditors' Meeting/Willful Disobedience
5-19.5.1.1 Remedy: Automatic 180-Day Bar
5-19.5.2 Abuse: Bad Faith
5-19.5.2.1 Remedy: Dismissal Under 11 U.S.C. § 1307(c) and 180-Day Bar Under 11 U.S.C. § 109(g)
5-19.5.2.2 Remedy: Sanctions
5-19.5.2.3 Remedy: Bar on Refiling Exceeding 180 Days
5-19.5.2.4 Remedy: Conversion


APPENDIX 5-1

Memorandum Dated October 10, 1995, from The Attorney General on Bankruptcy Fraud

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Last Update: November 30, 2005 6:09 PM
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