Press Releases

DHS OIG Substantiates Whistleblower Retaliation Allegation against a U.S. Coast Guard Member in Violation of the Military Whistleblower Protection Act

adrian.edwards — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 15:09:31 +0000

DHS OIG Substantiates Whistleblower Retaliation Allegation against a U.S. Coast Guard Member in Violation of the Military Whistleblower Protection Act

For Information Contact

Public Affairs (202) 981-6000

adrian.edwards Thu, 12/17/2020 - 10:09

For Immediate Release

Thursday, December 17, 2020

Download PDF (141.9 KB)

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) investigated allegations that a U.S. Coast Guard member was retaliated against for making protected communications under the Military Whistleblower Protect Act, 10 U.S.C. § 1034.

The investigation found that the member made a protected communication and that several personnel actions were taken against the member after the member made the protected communication, including a negative performance evaluation that did not include a recommendation for advancement.

DHS OIG found that the member’s supervisors expressed animosity against the member and others for their involvement in the making of the protected communication, which resulted in an internal investigation. DHS OIG also determined that during the member’s counseling session regarding the performance evaluation, the member’s immediate supervisor criticized the member for making the protected communication and accused the member of having “jumped the chain of command.”

DHS OIG found, based on a preponderance of the evidence, that the member would not have received a negative performance evaluation, nor suffered other personnel actions, in the absence of the member’s protected communication.

DHS OIG provided its report of investigation to the Acting Secretary for appropriate action under the Military Whistleblower Protection Act.

USCG

Management

DHS OIG Employees Honored by Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency

adrian.edwards — Tue, 13 Oct 2020 17:05:06 +0000

DHS OIG Employees Honored by Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency

For Information Contact

Public Affairs (202) 981-6000

adrian.edwards Tue, 10/13/2020 - 13:05

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, October 13, 2020

Download PDF (303.66 KB)

This year, two Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) teams were recognized for their outstanding achievements at the annual awards ceremony held by the Council of Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE) on October 13, 2020.

DHS OIG employees received the following awards:

Award for Excellence, Audit – Limitations of CBP OFO’s Screening Device Used to Identify Fentanyl and Other Narcotics Audit Team.
- In recognition of outstanding efforts that identified significant limitations in drug identification equipment deployed to U.S. Customs and Border Protection ports of entry.
- OIG Report: Limitations of CBP OFO’s Screening Device Used to Identify Fentanyl and Other Narcotics OIG-19-67.

Award for Excellence, Audit – Criminal Alien Program Audit Team
- In recognition of outstanding achievement in auditing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Criminal Alien Program and in reporting challenges with safety, resources, research, and information technology systems.
- OIG Report: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Criminal Alien Program Faces Challenges, OIG-20-13.

“I am tremendously proud that DHS OIG employees, in this year our audit teams, continue to be recognized for their outstanding work by the Inspector General community,” said DHS Inspector General Dr. Joseph Cuffari. “DHS OIG remains committed to ensuring the integrity and effectiveness of DHS programs and operations.”

MGMT

Management

DHS OIG Commemorates National Whistleblower Appreciation Day

adrian.edwards — Thu, 30 Jul 2020 13:53:54 +0000

DHS OIG Commemorates National Whistleblower Appreciation Day

For Information Contact

Public Affairs (202) 981-6000

adrian.edwards Thu, 07/30/2020 - 09:53

For Immediate Release

Thursday, July 30, 2020

Download PDF (161.72 KB)

Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of Inspector General
(OIG) joins numerous Federal agencies to commemorate National
Whistleblower Appreciation Day. The day honors and supports whistleblowers
who step forward in truth, to create a more honest and accountable
government.

DHS OIG relies on whistleblowers who come forward to report waste, fraud,
abuse of agency resources, and criminal activity. DHS OIG also has a
Whistleblower Protection Coordinator, who plays an important role as a
resource for employees who need to understand the protections and rights
afforded them when they report allegations of waste, fraud, or abuse.

“Whistleblowers are a critical component of maintaining the integrity of our
democracy,” said Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari. “Today we celebrate
those that have raised their voices to help ensure accountability and
transparency in DHS programs and operations.”

Individuals who are aware of fraud, waste, abuse or mismanagement of DHS
resources are encouraged to contact the OIG Hotline through our website or by
calling (800) 323-8603. Whistleblowers can choose to remain anonymous
when reporting to the OIG and the OIG Whistleblower Protection Coordinator is
always available to provide general information to DHS employees and
contractors on whistleblower rights and protections.

For more information visit our website, www.oig.dhs.gov

MGMT

Management

Additional IG Designated as Members of CIGIE’s Pandemic Response Accountability Committee

adrian.edwards — Wed, 01 Apr 2020 21:38:22 +0000

Additional IG Designated as Members of CIGIE’s Pandemic Response Accountability Committee

For Information Contact

Public Affairs (202) 254-4100

adrian.edwards Wed, 04/01/2020 - 17:38

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, April 1, 2020

Download PDF (185.17 KB)

IGs to Join Committee Coordinating Oversight of Federal Funds Used for Coronavirus Response

Michael E. Horowitz, Chair of the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency
(CIGIE), and Glenn A. Fine, Chair of CIGIE’s Pandemic Response Accountability Committee (PRAC),
announced today additional Inspectors General (IG) to serve as members of the PRAC. The new members
are:

• Mitchell L. Behm, Acting Inspector General, Department of Transportation
• Mark Bialek, Inspector General, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
• Kathy A. Buller, Inspector General, Peace Corps
• Rae Oliver Davis, Inspector General, Department of Housing and Urban Development
• Phyllis K. Fong, Inspector General, Department of Agriculture
• Susan S. Gibson, Inspector General, National Reconnaissance Office
• Allison C. Lerner, Inspector General, National Science Foundation
• Jay N. Lerner, Inspector General, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
• Paul K. Martin, Inspector General, National Aeronautics and Space Administration
• Michael J. Missal, Inspector General, Department of Veterans Affairs
• Tammy L. Whitcomb, Inspector General, U.S. Postal Service
• Special Inspector General for Pandemic Oversight (when nominated by the President and confirmed
by the Senate)

In addition, Inspector General Martin was named as the Committee’s Vice Chair. Mr. Martin has
served as Inspector General at NASA for the past 10 years and prior to that served at the
Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General for 12 years, the last 7 as Deputy Inspector
General.

These Inspectors General, who were designated as members of the PRAC pursuant to Section 15010 of
the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”), oversee agencies that will
disburse funds made available under the CARES Act or are otherwise involved in the Coronavirus
response.

Today’s designated Inspectors General join the PRAC alongside Mr. Fine and 8 other Inspectors
General specifically identified as PRAC members by the CARES Act:

• Sandra D. Bruce, Acting Inspector General, Department of Education
• Joseph V. Cuffari, Inspector General, Department of Homeland Security
• Scott S. Dahl, Inspector General, Department of Labor
• Richard K. Delmar, Acting Inspector General, Department of the Treasury
• J. Russell George, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration
• Christi A. Grimm, Acting Inspector General, Department of Health and Human Services
• Michael E. Horowitz, Inspector General, Department of Justice
• Hannibal “Mike” Ware, Inspector General, Small Business Administration

Consistent with the CARES Act, all Inspectors General serving on the Committee will continue to
perform their Inspector General duties.

“This additional group of Inspectors General brings a wide range of expertise to the Committee.
Working closely with all 75 Federal Inspectors General, the Committee will seek to ensure that the
funds intended to support individuals, workers, healthcare professionals, businesses and others
affected by the pandemic are used efficiently, effectively, and in accordance with the law,” said
PRAC Chair Fine.

The CARES Act provides over $2 trillion in emergency federal spending to address the economic
impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, and establishes the PRAC and several other oversight
mechanisms to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse in the use of these funds.

The PRAC will promote transparency and support independent oversight of the funds provided by the
CARES Act and two prior emergency spending bills, the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response
Supplemental Appropriations Act and the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. In addition to its
oversight responsibilities, the PRAC is tasked with supporting efforts to “prevent and detect
fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement [and] mitigate major risks that cut across program and
agency boundaries.”

###

CIGIE is an independent entity established within the executive branch by the Inspector General Act
and includes 75 statutorily created federal Inspectors General. Its mission is to address
integrity, economy, and effectiveness issues that transcend individual government agencies and to
aid in the establishment of a well-trained and highly skilled workforce in the Offices of the
Inspectors General. For more information about CIGIE and the Inspector General community, please
visit https://www.ignet.gov/. To find and read reports from the federal Ins ectors
General, please visit https://oversight.gov and follow @OversightGov on Twitter.

If you have additional questions, please contact:

Dwrena Allen
DOD OIG Spokesperson
dwrena.allen@dodig.mil

Stephanie Logan
DOJ OIG/CIGIE Spokesperson
Stephanie.logan@usdoj.gov

Alan Boehm
CIGIE Executive Director
alan.boehm@cigie.gov

Disaster Response

MGMT

Management

Former Acting Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Indicted on Theft of Government Property and Scheme to Defraud the United States Government

adrian.edwards — Mon, 09 Mar 2020 19:40:50 +0000

Former Acting Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Indicted on Theft of Government Property and Scheme to Defraud the United States Government

For Information Contact

Public Affairs (202) 254-4100

adrian.edwards Mon, 03/09/2020 - 15:40

For Immediate Release

Monday, March 9, 2020

Download PDF (84.94 KB)

A federal grand jury in the District of Columbia returned a 16-count indictment against a former Acting Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and a former subordinate for their alleged theft of proprietary software and confidential databases from the U.S. government as part of a scheme to defraud the U.S. government.

Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Shea for the District of Columbia, DHS Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari and Inspector General Tammy L. Whitcomb for the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) made the announcement.

The indictment charges Charles K. Edwards, 59, of Sandy Spring, Maryland, and Murali Yamazula Venkata, 54, of Aldie, Virginia, with conspiracy to commit theft of government property and to defraud the United States, theft of government property, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. The indictment also charges Venkata with destruction of records.

According to the allegations in the indictment, from October 2014 to April 2017, Edwards, Venkata, and others executed a scheme to defraud the U.S. government by stealing confidential and proprietary software from DHS Office of Inspector General (OIG), along with sensitive government databases containing personal identifying information (PII) of DHS and USPS employees, so that Edwards’s company, Delta Business Solutions, could later sell an enhanced version of DHS-OIG’s software to the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Agriculture at a profit. Although Edwards had left DHS-OIG in December 2013, he continued to leverage his relationship with Venkata and other DHS-OIG employees to steal the software and the sensitive government databases.

The indictment further alleges that, in addition to stealing DHS-OIG’s software and the sensitive government databases, Venkata and others also assisted Edwards by reconfiguring his laptop so that he could properly upload the stolen software and databases, provided troubleshooting support whenever Edwards required it, and helped him build a testing server at his residence with the stolen software and databases, which contained PII. As further part of the alleged scheme, Edwards retained software developers in India for the purpose of developing his commercial alternative of DHS-OIG’s software.

The indictment is the result of an ongoing investigation by DHS-OIG and USPS-OIG and is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Victor R. Salgado of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney David B. Kent of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.

An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

DEFENDANTS		Case Number: 08CR1332-JAH
Raul Villarreal Fidel Villarreal Armando Garcia Claudia Gonzalez

SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Conspiracy to Bring in Illegal Aliens for Financial Gain - Title 18, United States Code, 371 Maximum penalties: 5 years' imprisonment and $250,000 fine Bringing in illegal aliens for financial gain - Title 8, United States Code, Sections 1324(a)(2)(B)(ii) Maximum penalties: 10 years' imprisonment and $250,000 fine Bribery - Title 18, United States Code, Sections 201(b)(2)(A) and (C) Maximum penalties: 15 years' imprisonment and greater of $250,000 fine or three times the amount of the bribe Conspiracy To Launder Money - Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1956(a)(2)(A) and (h) Maximum penalties: 20 years' imprisonment and greater of $500,000 fine or twice the value of the funds

AGENCIES
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General ICE Office of Professional Responsibility U.S. Border Patrol

Press Releases

DHS OIG Substantiates Whistleblower Retaliation Allegation against a U.S. Coast Guard Member in Violation of the Military Whistleblower Protection Act

For Information Contact

DHS OIG Employees Honored by Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency

For Information Contact

DHS OIG Commemorates National Whistleblower Appreciation Day

For Information Contact

Additional IG Designated as Members of CIGIE’s Pandemic Response Accountability Committee

For Information Contact

Former Acting Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Indicted on Theft of Government Property and Scheme to Defraud the United States Government

For Information Contact

Fraud Alert: DHS OIG Participates in National “Slam the Scam” day

For Information Contact

DHS OIG Completes Investigation of the Death of Eight-Year-Old Guatemalan Child

For Information Contact

DHS OIG Completes Investigation of the Death of Seven-Year-Old Guatemalan Child

For Information Contact

DHS OIG Employees Honored for Contribution to Inspector General Community

DHS OIG Employees Honored for Outstanding Achievements

DHS OIG Completes Review of Allegations of Discrimination at Orlando Airport

Two Maryland Men Facing Federal Indictment for Their Roles in a Scheme that Allegedly Stole Government Benefits, Including More Than $8 Million in Federal Emergency Assistance

DOJ and DHS OIGs Release a Joint Review of Law Enforcement Cooperation on the Southwest Border between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations

DHS OIG Commemorates National Whistleblower Appreciation Day

Fraud Alert: Transnational Fraud Ring Targets U.S. Government Procurement Offices and Vendors

Fraud Alert: Law Enforcement Telephone Numbers Used in Two-Part Scam to Extort Money from Victims

Siskiyou County Man Charged with Major Fraud Against the United States for Taking FEMA Grant Funds

Fraud Alert: DHS Telephone Numbers Used in Scam to Obtain Personally Identifiable Information and Extort Money from Victims

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Announces $5.3 Million Proposed Settlement Of Lawsuit Against New York City For Fraudulently Obtaining FEMA Funds Following Superstorm Sandy

Clay County Woman Pleads Guilty to FEMA Fraud

Former West Virginia Cabinet Secretary Sentenced to Federal Prison for Embezzling Fire Department Funds

Inspector General Announces Investigation of Migrant Child’s Death

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer Indicted on Charges of Theft and False Statements

Former Captain with Bristol County Sheriff’s Office Sentenced for Smuggling Profits to Portugal

Ambler, Pennsylvania Man Admits Defrauding FEMA Relating To Major Disaster

New York Man Pleads Guilty to Cyberstalking

Former Federal Agent Sentenced on Bribery and Fraud Charges

DHS OIG Commemorates National Whistleblower Protection Day

Staten Island Resident Pleads Guilty to Disaster Relief Fraud

Former Cabinet Secretary Pleads Guilty to Embezzling Fire Department Funds

St. Thomas Man Indicted for Disaster Fraud and Wire Fraud Stemming From Theft of FEMA Relief Money

Denham Springs Woman Indicted for Theft of Disaster Assistance Funds

For Information Contact

Son of House-Stealing Scheme Mastermind Sentenced to 119 Months in Federal Prison

CEO Gets More Than 19 Years for $18 Million Health Care Fraud Scheme

Two Customs And Border Protection Officers Indicted, Another Pleads Guilty To Assaults On Fellow Officers At Newark Airport

Building on 40 Years of Excellence in Independent Oversight

For Information Contact

Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud Scheme

Camden, New Jersey, Woman Admits Defrauding FEMA after Natural Disasters

United States Border Patrol Agent Sentenced to Prison for Theft of Firearm Parts and Unlawful Possession of Machinegun

“Compound King” and Two Others Indicted in Multi-Million Dollar Conspiracy

Fugitive Sought

Former Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Sentenced To Prison For Accepting Bribes To Dismiss Indictment Against Colombian Narcotics

Former Supervisory United States Border Patrol Agent Found Guilty of Multiple Firearm Offenses

For Information Contact

Former Boston Police Sergeant Detective Sentenced for Making False Statements and Unlawfully Entering Secure Airport Area

Former CBP Officer Sentenced to Prison for Alien Smuggling

DHS OIG Finds ICE’s Screening Protocol of Aliens Who May Be Known or Suspected Terrorists is Limited and Risks National Security

Former Treasurer of Teays Valley Volunteer Fire Department Pleads Guilty for Embezzlement

DHS OIG Inspection Cites Concerns with Detainee Treatment and Care

Former Federal Agent Pleads Guilty to Accepting Bribes to Dismiss Indictment Against Colombian Narcotics Kingpin

DHS OIG Completes Its Review of Implementation of the Travel Ban; Awaits Decision by DHS Regarding Whether It Will Invoke Privilege

DHS OIG Finds that the Coast Guard’s IT Investments Risk Costly Failure Without Required Oversight

DHS OIG Issues Warning to FEMA Regarding Duplicate Public Assistance Funding

DHS OIG Cites CBP for Misuse of Summons Power

Last Defendant in the United States Pleads Guilty in Multimillion Dollar India-Based Call Center Scam Targeting U.S. Victims

DHS Can Improve Cyber Threat Information Sharing

DHS Still Struggling for a Unified Approach Regarding Immigration

DHS Still Challenged in Safeguarding Weapons, Badges, and other Sensitive Assets

DHS OIG Employees Awarded Top Honor Two Years in A Row

DHS OIG Audit Determines FEMA Lacked Control over Mississippi’s Coastal Retrofit Program

CIGIE Launches Oversight.gov: IGs Found More Than $25 Billion in Potential Cost Savings in FY 2017, New Website Shows

DHS OIG Audit Finds that FEMA’s Management of Its Flood Mapping Programs is Inadequate

The United States Attorney’s Office Announces Formation Of A Task Force To Fight Hurricane Irma-Related Illegal Activity

Middle District Of Florida, Along With Three Other U.S. Attorney Offices In Districts Affected By Hurricane Irma, Establishes Task Force To Combat Disaster Fraud And Urge The Public To Be Vigilant In Reporting Suspected Fraud

Authorities Announce Formation of Working Group to Fight Hurricane Harvey-Related Illegal Activity

Former Secret Service Agent Pleads Guilty To Money Laundering

CBP Spent Millions on Polygraph Exams for Applicants Who Admitted Disqualifying Criminal Activity

Former Government Employee Sentenced To 15 Months In Prison For Receipt Of Illegal Gratuities And Impersonation Of A United States Immigration Officer

Two More Defendants Plead Guilty in Multimillion Dollar India-Based Call Center Scam Targeting U.S. Victims