Importer Pleads Guilty to Evading Customs Duties
November 14, 2024
Firm transshipped Chinese products through Malaysia to falsify their “country of origin” An importer has pled guilty to federal charges
We represent whistleblowers in the battle to root out fraud, hold swindlers accountable and recover compensation under the False Claims Act and other United States whistleblower statutes and programs. With more than twenty years of experience in complex litigation on behalf of fraud victims and whistleblowers, our mission is to provide you with the individualized attention and quality legal representation you deserve.
At Mark A. Strauss Law, we are dedicated to supporting whistleblowers who bring fraud and corruption to light. Our practice is rooted in the principles of justice and fairness, ensuring that your claims are handled with the utmost professionalism and discretion. With proven experience in the False Claims Act and complex civil litigation, including customs fraud and securities fraud, we provide the legal expertise to expose wrongdoing effectively. Fraud is their game. Integrity is yours. Let us help you blow the whistle on fraud.
He guided me through every step, and his work ethic and dedication were amazing.
— Ken K., Great Neck, N.Y., client
Mark A. Strauss is an experienced attorney with over 30 years of expertise in whistleblower claims and securities litigation. His practice covers areas such as import & customs fraud, healthcare fraud, securities fraud and more, providing clients with the representation they need to pursue justice.
Choose Mark A. Strauss Law for tenacious and skilled whistleblower representation. With over 30 years handling complex civil litigation, Mark Strauss has successfully recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for his clients. His extensive experience as a litigator ensures that your whistleblower claim is pursued with skilled legal advocacy, maximizing your chances of a favorable outcome. Trust our commitment to justice and integrity when advocating for your rights.
Our mettle has been proven inside and outside the courtroom for over 30 years.
We've represented clients across the country and around the world to shine a light on fraud.
Mark Strauss has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for clients over the course of his career.
Call or Text Today
Click Here to Email Us
We handle a wide range of whistleblower claims, leveraging our extensive legal experience to combat fraud and corruption. Our practice is dedicated to protecting and empowering whistleblowers to do the right thing.
The False Claims Act is a highly complex and technical area of the law. Let Mark A. Strauss Law demystify the whistleblowing process with some answers to some of the most common questions we receive.
To assess if you have a whistleblower claim, consider two critical elements. First, identify if the alleged fraud involves federal or state funds. This could be through underpaying customs fees on imported goods, Medicare fraud in healthcare, misuse of federal grants in education, among others. Second, determine if there’s clear evidence of fraud or illegal activities, such as double-billing for services, kickbacks, or provision of worthless services. If both elements are present and the wrongdoing involves government funds, you likely have grounds for a whistleblower claim under the False Claims Act. Consult with Mark A. Strauss Law to discuss your situation and explore your options.
Under the False Claims Act, whistleblowers—also known as “relators”—can be financially rewarded for their contributions to uncovering fraud against the government. If the government decides to join the case, whistleblowers may receive between 15% and 25% of the recovered funds. Should the government opt not to intervene, and the whistleblower proceeds independently, they are eligible for 25% to 30% of the recovery. The exact percentage depends on the quality of information provided, the significance of the fraud, and the whistleblower’s involvement in the case.
Individuals overseas and non-U.S. citizens can indeed file whistleblower claims under U.S. laws if they uncover fraudulent activities impacting the U.S. government or violating U.S. regulations. This includes fraud involving U.S. government contracts, evasion of U.S. taxes, or securities fraud affecting U.S. investors. The fraudulent activity does not need to occur within the U.S., but a connection to the United States must be established. Such claims can lead to financial rewards under various U.S. whistleblower programs, regardless of the whistleblower’s nationality or location.
Whistleblowers can often maintain anonymity, especially under programs like the SEC, CFTC, and IRS, which allow nearly complete confidentiality with legal assistance. For False Claims Act cases, the whistleblower’s identity is initially kept under seal during the government’s investigation. However, full anonymity is not guaranteed, as the identity may be disclosed if the government intervenes. It is crucial to work with an experienced attorney to navigate these processes and maximize the protections available, including measures against potential retaliation.
Yes, whistleblowers are protected from retaliation under several U.S. laws, including the False Claims Act. These laws safeguard whistleblowers from being fired, demoted, harassed, or otherwise retaliated against in their employment due to their whistleblower activities. Protections are triggered when whistleblowers take actions to expose or prevent fraud against the government, such as reporting internally, refusing to partake in fraudulent activities, or filing a lawsuit. If retaliation occurs, whistleblowers may seek remedies such as reinstatement, double back pay, and other compensations. Legal advice is crucial to effectively navigate these protections and ensure rights are fully safeguarded.
The False Claims Act (FCA) is a critical U.S. law that allows individuals to help the government combat fraud and recover losses resulting from false claims made for federal funds. Enacted during the Civil War and strengthened over the years, the FCA includes a powerful “qui tam” provision. This allows whistleblowers, also known as “relators,” to sue on behalf of the government and be eligible for a portion of the recovered damages if the case succeeds. The Act covers a wide range of fraud, ensuring accountability and protecting government resources.
Firm transshipped Chinese products through Malaysia to falsify their “country of origin” An importer has pled guilty to federal charges
Firm allegedly misclassified and misstated the “country of origin” of aluminum wire it imported from China A Florida cable and
Drugmaker allegedly conspired with competitors to manipulate drug prices A whistleblower has played a pivotal role in exposing alleged price-fixing
Ready to take a stand? Contact Mark A. Strauss Law to discuss your whistleblower claim. We provide the expertise and support you need to pursue justice.
Serving U.S. & International Clients
We serve clients internationally and nationally, including, but not limited to, those in the following localities: Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dallas–Fort Worth, Denver, Detroit, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Portland, San Bernardino-Riverside, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, St. Louis, Tampa–St. Petersburg, and Washington, D.C.; the European Union, the United Kingdom, and China.
Please do not include any confidential or sensitive information in a contact form, text message, or voicemail. The contact form sends information by non-encrypted email, which is not secure. Submitting a contact form, sending a text message, making a phone call, or leaving a voicemail does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Site and SEO by Razor Rank
