Whistleblower News From The Inside -- December 15, 2016

By the C|C Whistleblower Lawyer Team

Companies that defrauded the government fined billions during Obama presidency – Companies that defrauded the federal government paid out $31.3B to the DOJ during the Obama presidency, an amount larger than that collected under the prior three administrations combined. The recoveries were driven in large part by whistleblowers. Wall Street Journal

Argentine sports marketing company settles corruption case for $112M — Torneos y Competencias SA was accused of paying millions in kickbacks and bribes to a FIFA official in exchange for his awarding of broadcasting rights for the next four world cups and other soccer tournaments. US federal prosecutors charged the company with wire fraud, the charge will be dropped if the company abides by the settlement agreement for four years. USAO Eastern District of New York

Brazilian chemical company fined $957M in corruption case – Brazilian chemical company Braskem agreed to pay Brazilian authorities $957M as part of a leniency accord related to the infamous “operation car wash” corruption scandal, which involved companies overcharging Petrobas, the state-owned oil company, and then channeling excess profits to politicians. Wall Street Journal

Atlanta settles FCA case for $1.86M – The city of Atlanta settled allegations the Atlanta Workforce Development Agency (AWDA) misused U.S. Department of Labor funds. Instead of distributing funds to employers seeking new hires, the AWDA allegedly distributed funds to employers who allocated them to existing employees. Atlanta Loop

Will new French anti-corruption law shepherd in a new era of transparency? – The French national assembly voted on the final text of its new anti-corruption law—a civil, preventive instrument with a positive obligation on large companies to “prevent corruption,” including through eight mandatory corruption prevention measures such companies must adopt. Forbes

Vermont doctor settles FCA case for $76k – Vermont physician Dr. Lynn Madsen settled allegations she charged federal healthcare programs for hundreds of trigger point injections (a pain management procedure) she performed without medical necessity. USAO District of Vermont