Perfectus Settlement Illuminates DOJ’s Tariff Fraud Strategy, Law360
June 04, 2026Partners Michael Huneke, Amanda Robinson, Casey Weaver, and Katelyn Hilferty and associate Julia Jacovides co-authored an Expert Analysis article for Law360 examining a recent False Claims Act (FCA) settlement involving alleged tariff evasion and customs fraud and what it signals about the US Department of Justice’s (DOJ’s) evolving trade enforcement priorities.
The article discusses how the DOJ’s nearly $5.5 million settlement with Perfectus Aluminum reflects increasing coordination among the DOJ, US Customs and Border Protection, and the DOJ’s Trade Fraud Task Force, as well as the growing role of whistleblowers in customs enforcement. The authors also outline key compliance lessons for companies, noting that tariff-related investigations may expose businesses to overlapping civil, administrative, and criminal risks.