The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has shattered its previous enforcement records. In the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025, settlements and judgments under the False Claims Act (FCA) exceeded $6.8 billion, which is the highest annual total in the history of the statute.
For Colorado residents and businesses, these numbers can be staggering, but the real story lies in how these funds were recovered. According to the latest data, the government’s historic success is driven almost entirely by the courage of private whistleblowers.
The power of the whistleblower: 2025 statistics
Whistleblowers (legally known as “relators”) remain the government’s most effective weapon against corporate fraud. The 2025 data confirms a massive surge in these victories:
- Record-breaking filings: Whistleblowers initiated 1,297 new lawsuits (qui tam actions) in 2025, a significant jump from previous years.
- The source of recovery: Over $5.3 billion of the total $6.8 billion recovered stemmed directly from cases brought forward by private citizens.
- Substantial rewards: In exchange for exposing misconduct, whistleblowers typically receive between 15% and 30% of the total recovery. In 2025 alone, the DOJ awarded over $330 million to those who stepped forward.
Some recent successes
The DOJ focused its record-breaking efforts on several key areas that can be impactful for Colorado’s economy:
- Healthcare fraud ($5.7 billion): From Medicare Advantage billing to medically unnecessary surgeries, the healthcare sector accounted for the vast majority of recoveries.
- Military procurement: The government successfully targeted defense contractors for providing false pricing data on military equipment.
- Cybersecurity compliance: Under the Civil Cyber-Fraud Initiative, the DOJ is now suing contractors who falsely certify that they have met mandatory cybersecurity standards.
Why you need experienced counsel
If you suspect your employer or a company is defrauding the federal government, the time to act is now. The 1,297 filings in 2025 show that the window for being the “first to file” is closing faster than ever.
The False Claims Act is a complex “first-to-file” statute, meaning that if someone else reports the fraud before you, you may lose your right to a reward. Seeking legal advice early is essential to evaluate your options, preserve your rights, and ensure your identity is protected during the investigation.