In response to the effects of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon explosion, fire, and oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, the U.S. Government has committed to holding all responsible parties accountable for all cleanup costs and other damage. Federal officials have identified BP as one of the responsible parties, and BP has begun to receive and process applications for claims stemming from the effects of the oil spill. As of August 23, an independent claims facility, the Gulf Coast Claims Facility, has begun the task of processing claims and disbursing payments from the $20 billion fund that BP has established for that purpose.

The Department of Justice is placing a high priority on promptly investigating and prosecuting all meritorious reports of fraud related to the oil spill and its aftermath, including fraudulent claims, charity fraud, identity theft, insurance fraud, and procurement and government-benefit fraud. Throughout the Gulf Coast region, United States Attorney’s Offices, the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice, and federal criminal investigative agencies, with assistance from the National Center for Disaster Fraud, are prepared to handle these cases.

This website will allow you to find current information on the work and progress of federal law enforcement to combat oil-spill fraud.