The DOJ's Target List: Fraud, Fentanyl, and Trafficking

If you're being investigated for a federal crime in 2025, there's a good chance you fall into one of three categories:

• Fraud (wire, crypto, bank, Medicare, PPP, or SEC violations)
• Drug distribution (especially fentanyl, heroin, meth, and opioids)
• Human trafficking (labor or sex-related)

These are the DOJ's top priorities. Not only are they prosecuting these cases more frequently, but they're also punishing them more severely.

Let's break it down:

The Department of Justice has identified fraud, fentanyl, and trafficking as their top enforcement priorities for 2025, leading to record prosecutions and severe sentences

Fraud Prosecutions Are Surging

From PPP loan abuse to crypto ponzi schemes, federal fraud charges are being filed in record numbers. In the past year alone, the DOJ has charged over 3,500 defendants in COVID-relief fraud cases and recovered more than $1.4 billion. SEC and bank fraud investigations are also being escalated quickly, especially in Florida, California, and New York.

[Source: DOJ COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force Report, 2024]

If you received funds you weren't entitled to, misled investors, or misrepresented financials, you're likely on their radar. Unlike local prosecutors, the feds come prepared with forensic accountants, sealed indictments, and asset freezes.

Federal fraud investigations involve sophisticated forensic accounting, sealed indictments, and asset freezes. The DOJ has charged over 3,500 defendants in COVID-relief fraud cases alone, recovering more than $1.4 billion.

Drug Crimes = Maximum Sentences

Fentanyl remains the DOJ's number one drug enforcement priority. Trafficking charges involving fentanyl, meth, heroin, and opioids now carry some of the harshest sentences in the federal system. In May 2025 alone, the DEA seized over 400kg of fentanyl and arrested cartel-linked traffickers across five states.

[Source: DOJ Press Release, May 2025]

Low-level dealers are often swept up in larger conspiracy indictments. If you sold even a small amount of drugs online, through social media, or in person (and especially if someone overdosed) you're likely facing a mandatory minimum sentence or a plea deal with years of prison time.

Critical Reality: Even low-level drug dealers are being swept into major conspiracy indictments with mandatory minimum sentences. Fentanyl cases carry some of the harshest penalties in the federal system.

Human Trafficking: Not Just a State Crime

More often than not, human trafficking cases are being escalated from state to federal court, where penalties are far more severe. The FBI and Secret Service have both launched multi-state investigations in 2025, many involving underage victims, forced labor, or online exploitation.

[Source: DOJ Press Release, August 2023 – Operation Cross Country XIII]

In August 2023, the DOJ announced that Operation Cross Country XIII rescued 200 trafficking victims, which included 59 minors. Since then, the department has poured more resources into its Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit and is aggressively pursuing long sentences, asset forfeiture, and in cases involving non-citizens, deportation.

Human trafficking cases are increasingly being escalated from state to federal court, where penalties are far more severe. The DOJ's Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit is aggressively pursuing long sentences and asset forfeiture.

Deportation and Immigration Consequences

If you're a non-U.S. citizen charged with trafficking, fraud, or drugs, the consequences extend far beyond prison. Many defendants are deemed "aggravated felons" under immigration law and are subject to mandatory detention and removal, even after serving time.

[Source: USSC Quick Facts on Non-U.S. Citizens Sentenced, 2024]

Don't Wait for the Indictment

If you're even remotely involved in one of these case types, you need legal representation immediately. Federal agents are quietly interviewing witnesses, issuing subpoenas, and gathering evidence long before you get notified.

At AMC Defense Law, our job is to intercept these cases before they become indictments. We negotiate with prosecutors. We protect your rights. We keep you out of prison and off the government's "target list."

"Federal agents are quietly interviewing witnesses, issuing subpoenas, and gathering evidence long before you get notified. Our job is to intercept these cases before they become indictments."— Aaron M. Cohen, Principal Attorney

If the DOJ is knocking, don't answer alone.

At AMC Defense Law, we specialize in intercepting federal investigations before they become indictments, negotiating with prosecutors to protect your rights and freedom

If you or your loved ones are being investigated for fraud, drug crimes, or trafficking charges, call Aaron M. Cohen, 24 hours a day to get help.