United States: Criminal Law

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Criminal law articles, thought leadership, podcasts, videos and webinars from expert sources across the legal world. Explore insights from the world of criminal law covering complex topics and rulings from specialists working in this sector.
Article
“Can They Search My Phone At The Airport?” U.S. Court Of Appeals Issues Decision On “Border” Cellphone Searches
The Second Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that federal officers may manually search travelers' cellphones at international airports without a warrant, probable cause, or reasonable suspicion. The decision in United States v. Alisigwe establishes broad border-search authority while leaving unresolved whether more sophisticated forensic examinations require individualized suspicion of wrongdoing.
United States Criminal
BB
Baker Botts LLP
Article
DOJ Fraud Division Issues Corporate Enforcement Directive Establishing Framework For Corporate Fraud Investigations
The U.S. Department of Justice's Fraud Division has issued new corporate enforcement guidance establishing a dedicated team to oversee fraud cases and identifying four priority investigation areas. Companies face heightened scrutiny as DOJ deploys advanced data analytics and enhanced whistleblower incentives to detect corporate misconduct more rapidly. Understanding the ten charging factors and compliance expectations outlined in this directive is essential for organizations to assess their exposure and str
United States Criminal
BT
Barnes & Thornburg LLP
Article
Justice Department Issues Memorandum Outlining Corporate Fraud Enforcement Priorities
On Oct. 1, 2026, Colin M. McDonald, assistant attorney general for the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Fraud Enforcement Division (Fraud Division or Division), issued a memorandum titled “Directive 26-12: Corporate Enforcement in the Fight Against Fraud” (the Memorandum or the “Directive”), outlining the Division’s approach to investigating and prosecuting corporate misconduct.
United States Criminal
GT
Greenberg Traurig, LLP
Article
A Look Back: The Kaveh Afrasiabi Case
In January 2021, federal prosecutors in Brooklyn unsealed a criminal complaint charging political scientist Kaveh Lotfolah Afrasiabi with conspiring to act and acting as an unregistered agent of the Iranian government under FARA. While Afrasiabi built a public persona as a respected political science professor, author, and television commentator, DOJ alleged that he was a secretly compensated employee of Tehran.
United States Criminal
CD
Caplin & Drysdale
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Anti-Corruption & Bribery
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White Collar Crime, Anti-Corruption & Fraud

Article
“Can They Search My Phone At The Airport?” U.S. Court Of Appeals Issues Decision On “Border” Cellphone Searches
The Second Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that federal officers may manually search travelers' cellphones at international airports without a warrant, probable cause, or reasonable suspicion. The decision in United States v. Alisigwe establishes broad border-search authority while leaving unresolved whether more sophisticated forensic examinations require individualized suspicion of wrongdoing.
United States Criminal
BB
Baker Botts LLP
Article
DOJ Fraud Division Issues Corporate Enforcement Directive Establishing Framework For Corporate Fraud Investigations
The U.S. Department of Justice's Fraud Division has issued new corporate enforcement guidance establishing a dedicated team to oversee fraud cases and identifying four priority investigation areas. Companies face heightened scrutiny as DOJ deploys advanced data analytics and enhanced whistleblower incentives to detect corporate misconduct more rapidly. Understanding the ten charging factors and compliance expectations outlined in this directive is essential for organizations to assess their exposure and str
United States Criminal
BT
Barnes & Thornburg LLP
Article
Let’s Talk FCA: Insurance Coverage For False Claims Act Investigations (Podcast)
Navigating insurance coverage for False Claims Act investigations requires careful attention to policy structures, notice requirements, and insurer reservations of rights. This podcast episode explores the critical considerations companies face when seeking coverage for defense costs and settlements in FCA matters. Industry experts discuss practical strategies for policyholders to maximize their insurance recovery options.
United States Insurance
CM
Crowell & Moring LLP
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Corporate Crime

Article
Customs Compliance Is Now A Fraud Risk: What Changed And Why It Matters
Federal enforcement of customs violations has evolved from administrative penalties into a high-stakes arena of civil fraud and criminal liability, with recent settlements reaching unprecedented levels and executives facing personal exposure. The Department of Justice's restructured enforcement apparatus, combined with an aggressive whistleblower program, has transformed tariff compliance into a critical risk management priority for importers and their leadership teams.
United States Criminal
BT
Barnes & Thornburg LLP
Article
DOJ’s National Fraud Division Outlines New Corporate Fraud Enforcement Priorities And Factors
The US Department of Justice's National Fraud Enforcement Division has issued its first comprehensive corporate enforcement directive, establishing new investigation priorities and charging factors that will reshape how federal prosecutors approach fraud cases. Companies in healthcare, government contracting, tax, and international trade now face heightened scrutiny under a centralized enforcement framework that emphasizes data-driven detection...
United States Criminal
MB
Mayer Brown
Article
DOJ Fraud Division Announces New Corporate Enforcement Memo
The Department of Justice's National Fraud Enforcement Division has issued new guidance outlining aggressive corporate enforcement priorities targeting healthcare, government contracts, tax evasion, and trade fraud. What factors will prosecutors weigh most heavily when recommending charges, and how will the new partnership between Division prosecutors and the Corporate Enforcement Section reshape corporate investigations and compliance oversight?
United States Criminal
W
WilmerHale
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Crime

Article
"Marijuana" Rescheduling Delayed, Again. What It Could Mean, And What Comes Next
The DEA's marijuana rescheduling hearing has been unexpectedly stayed following a motion to admit a new GAO report examining agency scheduling procedures. With the proceeding on hold and the medical marijuana Schedule III order facing legal challenges in the D.C. Circuit, the cannabis industry's path to federal tax relief through rescheduling has become increasingly uncertain.
United States Cannabis
HS
Harris Sliwoski
Article
Knock-Knock: The IRS Is Calling For Exempt Organizations — Are You Ready?
According to multiple published reports, the Trump administration has directed the IRS’s Criminal Investigation Division (IRS-CI) to zero in on left-leaning exempt organizations. One of those sources, The Wall Street Journal, describes how the IRS is being reorganized to enable easier pursuit of investigations of organizations it deems politically adversarial (The Wall Street Journal, https://on.wsj.com/3N0b15J).
United States Tax
CD
Caplin & Drysdale
Article
A Look Back: The Kaveh Afrasiabi Case
In January 2021, federal prosecutors in Brooklyn unsealed a criminal complaint charging political scientist Kaveh Lotfolah Afrasiabi with conspiring to act and acting as an unregistered agent of the Iranian government under FARA. While Afrasiabi built a public persona as a respected political science professor, author, and television commentator, DOJ alleged that he was a secretly compensated employee of Tehran.
United States Criminal
CD
Caplin & Drysdale
See more

Public Order

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