NCJ Number
83424
Journal
Detective Volume: 5 Issue: 12 Dated: (Winter 1975-1976) Pages: 18-26
Date Published
1976
Length
9 pages
Annotation
Fraud-related crimes, particularly those perpetrated against the Government, are discussed from the perspective of an investigator from the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command.
Abstract
The lack of clear definitions of what fraud-related crimes consist of, combined with the submerged nature of the offenses, makes it difficult to recognize or detect such crimes. Usually, no complaint is brought, as the victim is often the Government. In addition, there is no crime scene or tangible physical evidence to establish the existence of a crime. Normally, a period of time has elapsed since the commission of the act. Regardless of the ultimate criminal goal, which is usually larceny, the prevention, detection, and successful investigation of fraud requires a special type of investigative effort. A methodical approach is essential. During fiscal year 1974, 171 persons were convicted for violations of fraud against the Government. Fines, savings, and recoveries to the Government totaled approximately $2.5 million. Nevertheless, there is no single status concerning fraud against the Government. The four Federal statutes which apply to most investigations include the following sections of the United States Code: 18 U.S.C. 286, 18 U.S.C. 287, 18 U.S.C. 371, and 18 U.S.C. 1001. All of these statutes are intended to prevent persons from cheating the Government. Fraud crime will continue at an increasing level of severity. In response, every Federal investigative agency is currently striving to improve its capability to investigate and prosecute fraud offenses.