FEMA Fraud Scenario

Your team has been assigned to investigate FEMA typhoon recovery fraud. Federal auditors suspect fraud and conspiracy because of irregular billing and bid documents. They highlighted the loss of over $200 million in fraud and produced documents that clearly show collusion between contractors and government officials.

You have also learned of possible construction fraud from two companies that were not awarded construction projects. They suggest that favorite contractors have special relationships with government officials and have given bribes to these officials.

A confidential informant (CI) who had worked for one contractor came forward to share shady meeting discussions between government officials and the two contractors.

Because the FEMA recovery projects operate under emergency procurement rules, many of the usual bidding processes have been suspended in order to expedite typhoon recovery. Under emergency declarations, we want to get the island of Guam back to normal as soon as possible. Hence, tracking and transparency may be lacking and as a result, fraudulent activities may occur.

Prepare an Intelligence and investigative plan to handle this. Discuss areas of interest and how to develop intelligence in order to determine investigative strategy and operational objectives.

How do you manage the CI?

Consider any and all legal investigative methods to further this matter. Your Community is counting on you.