The Justice Department announced today that the United States secured $2.4 billion in settlements and judgments involving fraud against the government in this fiscal year. Since 1986, after Congress strengthened the False Claims Act, the total recoveries have been more than $24 billion.

When Congress amended the False Claims Act in 1986, the partnership between private citizens and the government was strengthened. The qui tam provisions were revised, encouraging whistleblowers to come forward with allegations of fraud.  The Act was further improved and clarified by amendments in 2009.

Of the $2.4 billion in settlements and judgments obtained in fiscal year 2009, nearly $2 billion was recovered in lawsuits filed under the False Claims Act’s qui tam provisions.

Click here to read the full article “Justice Department Recovers $2.4 Billion in False Claims Cases in Fiscal Year 2009; More Than $24 Billion Since 1986″