On August 29, 2025, the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched the Trade Fraud Task Force that will coordinate efforts between DOJ’s Civil and Criminal Divisions and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to bring enforcement actions against importers who unlawfully evade tariffs and other customs duties, as well as against parties who unlawfully import prohibited goods.[1] This is the latest sign that, amid legal battles over the legality of President Trump’s tariffs, DOJ remains deeply committed to using all available legal tools to police customs and tariff compliance. It is also the latest example of this Administration’s top-down approach to generating investigative targets.
As with previous actions, the announcement of the Trade Fraud Task Force underscores the importance for importers–particularly those touching tariff sensitive commodifies such as pharmaceuticals–to develop and maintain robust mechanisms to comply with customs requirements and duties.
Gibson Dunn’s False Claims Act and International Trade teams explain the details: Getting Serious About Tariff Evasion – New Trade Fraud Task Force Continues Trend of DOJ’s Top-Down Generation of Investigative Targets – Gibson Dunn