The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York recovered more than $68,000,000 in 2025 through settlement agreements and enforcement actions, according to a March 20 announcement by U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo.
The recoveries were achieved by the Affirmative Civil Enforcement (ACE) Unit, which focuses on civil claims to recover money lost to fraud and other misconduct under the Federal False Claims Act. The office said these efforts are part of its ongoing commitment to protect taxpayer funds from fraud, waste, and abuse.
Among the settlements reached in 2025 was a payment of more than $50,000,000 by Pfizer on behalf of its subsidiary Biohaven. This settlement resolved allegations that Biohaven paid kickbacks to providers for prescribing its drug Nurtec. Additionally, five cases involving Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) fraud resulted in the recovery of more than $10,000,000. The ACE Unit also addressed non-False Claims Act matters such as self-disclosed overpayments to federal health care programs and claims related to the Railroad Retirement Board pension program.
DiGiacomo said, “The settlements and recoveries achieved by the ACE Unit in 2025 demonstrate this Office’s commitment to protecting taxpayer money. My office will continue to aggressively root out fraud, waste, and abuse involving government programs and hold those responsible accountable.”
The False Claims Act allows the government not only to recover losses but also imposes additional damages through a multiplier. Many cases originate from individuals or entities with inside information about fraudulent conduct. Authorities encourage anyone with knowledge of fraud involving federal health care programs or COVID-19 relief funds to report it using established hotlines or online complaint forms.
Looking ahead, officials say they will continue their efforts against fraud affecting government programs and urge members of the public with relevant information to come forward.
