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DOJ Launches FOCUS Initiative, Seeks Data Miners to Assist in Identifying and Building Fraud Claims

By Jason Crawford, Matthew Ferraro, Mike Lieberman, Preston Pugh & William Tucker on May 11, 2026
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On April 30, 2026, the DOJ announced the launch of the Fraud Oversight through Careful Use of Statistics initiative (FOCUS) to increase coordination between the Department and the growing host of data miners who sift through publicly available government data to identify patterns of alleged fraud. The launch of FOCUS highlights a growing trend in False Claims Act (FCA) enforcement: civilian data miners with access to public data — but no other connection to the alleged defendants — are filing almost as many qui tam complaints as company insiders.

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Photo of Jason Crawford Jason Crawford

When facing government investigations or high stakes litigation, clients trust Jason Crawford to evaluate allegations, identify risks, and formulate strategies to achieve the appropriate resolution. Jason advises and advocates for government contractors and companies from regulated industries in matters involving civil, criminal, and…

When facing government investigations or high stakes litigation, clients trust Jason Crawford to evaluate allegations, identify risks, and formulate strategies to achieve the appropriate resolution. Jason advises and advocates for government contractors and companies from regulated industries in matters involving civil, criminal, and administrative enforcement, with a particular focus on the False Claims Act (FCA).

As a litigator, Jason has defended government contractors, drug manufacturers, grant recipients, health care companies, importers, and construction companies sued under the FCA by whistleblowers and the Department of Justice (DOJ) in federal courts throughout the country. He also helps clients conduct complex internal investigations and respond strategically to Office of Inspectors General inquiries, grand jury investigations, search warrants, and civil investigative demands.

Jason previously served as a DOJ Trial Attorney in the Civil Division, Fraud Section where he investigated and litigated FCA cases involving government contractors, importers, and health care companies. He also previously worked with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia where he prosecuted federal criminal cases.

A recognized thought leader on FCA developments, Jason has written and presented extensively on the fraud statute, and he is a co-host of the Let’s Talk FCA podcast.

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Photo of Matthew Ferraro Matthew Ferraro

Matthew F. Ferraro is a partner in Crowell & Moring’s Privacy and Cybersecurity Group, where he helps clients address complex regulatory matters at the intersection of advanced technology, national security, and crisis management. He advises leading organizations on high-impact matters related to artificial

…

Matthew F. Ferraro is a partner in Crowell & Moring’s Privacy and Cybersecurity Group, where he helps clients address complex regulatory matters at the intersection of advanced technology, national security, and crisis management. He advises leading organizations on high-impact matters related to artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies, cyberattacks, domestic and international privacy compliance, internal investigations, foreign direct investment reviews, and high-stakes crises.

Before joining the firm, Matthew served as the Senior Counselor for Cybersecurity and Emerging Technology to the Secretary of Homeland Security. As a principal advisor to the Secretary and a member of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s leadership team, he served at the heart of U.S. government policymaking around AI and cybersecurity. He assisted in the development and drafting of key AI, cyber, and technology policies and regulations; advised on the deployment of AI to fulfill the department’s missions; and counseled on cyber-incident responses and investigations. Matthew also helped establish and served as the Executive Director of the Artificial Intelligence Safety and Security Board, a flagship public-private advisory committee focused on AI’s use in critical infrastructure and chaired by the Secretary and composed of industry, nonprofit, and government luminaries.

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Photo of Mike Lieberman Mike Lieberman

Mike Lieberman is a partner in Crowell & Moring’s Litigation, Health Care, and White Collar & Regulatory Enforcement groups, and co-chair of the firm’s E-Discovery Practice. He litigates complex matters in federal, state, and arbitral forums, with a particular focus on commercial health…

Mike Lieberman is a partner in Crowell & Moring’s Litigation, Health Care, and White Collar & Regulatory Enforcement groups, and co-chair of the firm’s E-Discovery Practice. He litigates complex matters in federal, state, and arbitral forums, with a particular focus on commercial health care disputes, class actions, discovery disputes, and fraud cases. Mike’s clients include managed care companies, health benefit plans, clinical laboratories, government contractors, corporate and individual criminal defendants, and various other corporate commercial litigants.

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Photo of Preston Pugh Preston Pugh

Preston Pugh helps companies, board committees and large organizations conduct internal investigations and respond to government investigations, often stemming from high stakes whistleblower complaints. He is a partner at Crowell & Moring and co-leads its False Claims Act Practice. For more than 20…

Preston Pugh helps companies, board committees and large organizations conduct internal investigations and respond to government investigations, often stemming from high stakes whistleblower complaints. He is a partner at Crowell & Moring and co-leads its False Claims Act Practice. For more than 20 years, he has helped clients navigate many different types of crises—including commercial and government contract fraud investigations; C-suite corporate ethics concerns; whistleblower retaliation claims; broad-based harassment and discrimination complaints; investigations by Congress; and related litigation. He has been recognized by the Legal 500 for his work in investigations.

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Photo of William Tucker William Tucker

Will Tucker is an associate in the firm’s Washington, D.C. office, where he practices in the Health Care and Government Contracts groups. Will represents clients in a range of complex litigation and counseling engagements. He helps clients navigate relationships with federal and state…

Will Tucker is an associate in the firm’s Washington, D.C. office, where he practices in the Health Care and Government Contracts groups. Will represents clients in a range of complex litigation and counseling engagements. He helps clients navigate relationships with federal and state regulators, often regarding the use of emerging technologies and implementation of new business models. His counseling practice covers fraud and abuse compliance, state licensure guidance, responding to federal audits, and state procurement procedures, among other issues. His litigation practice spans both plaintiff-side and defense work, including fraud, data rights, and insurance disputes in federal court, as well as bid protests before the Government Accountability Office.

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  • Posted in:
    Government and Public Policy
  • Blog:
    International Trade Law
  • Organization:
    Crowell & Moring LLP
  • Article: View Original Source

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