'People lied on purpose': DOJ launches first national tax fraud enforcement surge, 76 people charged

The U.S. Department of Justice has announced its first national tax fraud enforcement surge, targeting alleged schemes that cost taxpayers millions of dollars. Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald announced charges against 76 people in cases involving more than $490 million in alleged tax fraud. McDonald said investigators are targeting individuals who deliberately lied to obtain money they knew they were not entitled to receive. The DOJ says the initiative is part of a broader effort to crack down on fraud and protect taxpayer funds, as federal authorities warn that criminals steal hundreds of billions of dollars each year.