The devastation created by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita has
generated one of the largest relief efforts put forth by the Federal government.
The OIG is working closely with other Inspectors General, the Department of
Justice, and state and local agencies on a coordinated oversight response.
In support of the OIG's primary emphasis on preventing fraud, we have
designated audit and investigative staff who have specific experience with
the key DOL programs that will be most heavily impacted. The OIG will work
with state auditors responsible for oversight of Federal funds, as well as
conduct our own audits and investigations. The areas of greatest concern for
DOL are National Emergency Grants, Unemployment Insurance, Disaster Unemployment
Assistance, contracting and procurement, and the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration's activities as part of the National Emergency Response
Plan.
In order to provide timely relief, the Department waived certain authorities
and the OIG is concerned with ensuring that proper controls are instituted
in place of the authorities. The type and amount of DOL resources required
will vary as the relief effort moves from immediate relief to longer-term recovery
and reconstruction. Proper oversight will reduce the likelihood of fraud, waste,
and abuse such as identity theft, undocumented workers, questioned costs, and
improper payments.
The Inspector General Community is operating a Hurricane Relief Fraud Hotline
for reporting fraud, waste, abuse, or mismanagement involving hurricane relief
funds or operations. The telephone number 866-720-5721. You may also email
the hotline at katrinafraud@dodig.mil.
Recent Department of Labor OIG Work
The following is recent work completed by the Department of Labor's Office
of Inspector General.
March 3, 2006: The
OIG issued the following reports related to our work on hurricane
relief efforts:
January 17, 2006: The
U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas issued
a press release announcing that five were charged in a Federal indictment
for their role in a FEMA fraud scheme. Click
here to view the press release.
December 21, 2005: The
U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas issued
a press release announcing that a Dallas woman was arrested on theft of public
money
and identity theft charges in a FEMA Fraud Scheme. Click
here to view the press release.
December 21, 2005: The
OIG issued the following reports related to our work on hurricane
relief efforts:
December 14, 2005: The
U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Louisiana issued a
press release announcing a criminal complaint alleging wire
fraud and false use of Social Security numbers to obtain fifty
disaster unemployment debit cards for alleged losses resulting
from Hurricane Katrina. Click
here to view the press release.
November 18, 2005: The
OIG issued a "Risk Alert Bulletin" that provides information to the
States affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Wilma. In an effort
to leverage resources, this Bulletin provides information to
the States regarding DOL programs involved in Hurricane relief
and their vulnerabilites. Click
here to view the Bulletin.