Baron & Budd Whistleblower Cases Highlighted in 2019 Department of Justice Year End Press Release

The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) recently released an end of year statement announcing the success of its efforts in combating fraud against the government. In 2019, DOJ obtained more than $3 billion in settlements and judgments from civil cases.

Among the cases highlighted by DOJ are two successful False Claims Act matters brought by Baron & Budd’s Qui Tam practice on behalf of their whistleblower clients. 

Baron & Budd Whistleblower Cases

The health care industry was the primary source of recoveries by the DOJ, accounting for $2.6 billion of the more than $3 billion recovered in 2019. One of the largest recoveries last year came from opioid manufacturer Reckitt Benckiser Group (RBG).  Attorneys with Baron & Budd’s Qui Tam practice represented a whistleblower who came forward with information about RBG’s marketing of the opioid treatment drug Suboxone.  This information helped lead to the recovery of more than $1.4 billion in civil and criminal penalties and settlements—the largest recovery by the United States in a case concerning an opioid drug, and among the most successful anti-fraud cases in history.

DOJ also continued its focus on holding individuals accountable for their roles in fraud against the government.  In one such case, a whistleblower represented by Baron & Budd’s Qui Tam attorneys provided information to DOJ about Virginia-based defense contractor ADS, Inc. and its former CEO and President, Luke Hillier.  Hillier agreed to pay $20 million to resolve allegations that he fraudulently obtained federal set-aside contracts reserved for small businesses that his company was ineligible to receive—the second-largest recovery against an individual in the history of the False Claims Act.

Whistleblowers are essential in the government’s efforts to root out fraud. Last year, $2.1 billion of the $3 billion recovered by the government was attributable to lawsuits filed by whistleblowers.

Contact Baron & Budd

The False Claims Act provides incentives for whistleblowers to file lawsuits on behalf of the government when they are aware of fraud being committed against the government. Whistleblowers receive employment protections and typically are entitled to a substantial portion of whatever amount the government recovers. With over 30 years of experience in whistleblower cases, the attorneys on Baron & Budd’s whistleblower representation team have represented dozens of clients in government fraud cases, returning over $5.4 billion to federal and state agencies, with whistleblower recovery shares as high as 49%. They are ready to help if you have evidence of fraud against the government. Please call (866) 845-2164 or complete our contact form if you would like more information.

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