blog home Financial Crimes The DOJ’s Recent Focus on Executive Fraud: Are You at Risk?

The DOJ’s Recent Focus on Executive Fraud: Are You at Risk?

By Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney on March 15, 2025

In 2025, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has made one thing clear—executives are firmly in its crosshairs. With this renewed commitment to pursuing high-profile corporate misconduct, the DOJ executive fraud focus has shifted toward holding top-level professionals personally accountable for alleged financial crimes.

This aggressive stance means that executives must be proactive when it comes to protecting themselves. If you’re a corporate officer, board member, or even a prominent figure in a media-facing profession, are you prepared for this intensified level of legal scrutiny?

At Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP, we’ve seen firsthand how swiftly a corporate fraud investigation can escalate from quiet inquiries to full-blown indictments. Understanding this new landscape and conducting a pre-indictment risk assessment can be the difference between safeguarding your career and facing federal charges.

The DOJ Enforcement Shift in 2025—What’s Changed?

Federal prosecutors have always pursued corporate fraud, but DOJ enforcement in 2025 reflects a strategic pivot. Rather than focusing solely on corporate entities, the DOJ is now prioritizing individual accountability at the executive level.

Key elements of this shift include:

• Increased focus on media-facing industries. High-visibility sectors like entertainment, tech, finance, and healthcare are seeing heightened scrutiny.
• Faster timelines. The DOJ is accelerating investigations to bring charges more swiftly, often before companies can internally resolve issues.
• Collaboration with regulatory bodies. Agencies like the SEC, FTC, and CFPB are working hand-in-hand with DOJ prosecutors to build comprehensive cases.
• Public deterrence campaigns. High-profile indictments are being used as warnings to other executives.

If you’re a decision-maker in a company, especially one that operates in the public eye, you may already be at risk, even if you believe your conduct has been above board.

Common Triggers for Corporate Fraud Investigations

Understanding what prompts a corporate fraud investigation is critical to mitigating exposure. The DOJ isn’t just targeting blatant embezzlement or Ponzi schemes.

The reality is that many executives find themselves under scrutiny for mistakes or simple oversights. And in today’s environment, prosecutors are keen to argue that executives should have known about fraudulent activities occurring under their leadership.

Triggers for federal investigation may include suspicion of the following:

• Accounting irregularities or creative financial reporting.
• Misleading investors or shareholders, even unintentionally.
• Improper use of corporate funds for personal benefit.
• Regulatory compliance failures, particularly in disclosures.
• Third-party misconduct—being implicated due to the actions of subordinates or partners.

Why Executives Need to Be Proactive

The rise in white-collar crackdowns signals that waiting for a subpoena or a knock at the door is no longer a viable strategy. If the DOJ has you in their sights, they’ve probably been building a case for months—if not longer.

At Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP, we advise executives to take a proactive stance by doing the following:

• Conducting regular pre-indictment risk assessments.
• Reviewing internal communications and financial practices.
• Ensuring compliance programs are robust and documented.
• Seeking legal counsel at the first sign of regulatory interest.

Early intervention allows your defense team to control the narrative, address potential issues quietly, and possibly prevent charges from being filed.

What Is a Pre-Indictment Risk Assessment?

A pre-indictment risk assessment is a confidential review designed to identify vulnerabilities before federal investigators do. It involves:

• Evaluating exposure to fraud, conspiracy, or obstruction claims.
• Analyzing executive decision-making trails, including emails, financial approvals, and meeting records.
• Reviewing whistleblower complaints or internal audit findings.
• Preparing a strategic response plan in case of a government inquiry.

Too often, executives underestimate how quickly innocent actions can be reinterpreted under the lens of a federal investigation. Our legal team specializes in spotting these risks early and advising you on corrective action.

How the DOJ Builds Executive Fraud Cases

It’s important that you know how the DOJ constructs these cases so you can understand your risk. Prosecutors typically rely on:

• Internal documents include emails, financial statements, and board minutes
• Cooperating witnesses include employees or partners who are offered leniency in exchange for testimony
• Data analytics use advanced tools to flag suspicious patterns in financial transactions
• Public statements, such as press releases, investor calls, and media appearances, can be framed as misleading

In media-facing professions, statements intended to reassure investors or promote a brand can later be used to allege intentional deception. That’s why executives must be cautious and deliberate in both their actions and communications.

Defense Strategies Against DOJ Executive Fraud Focus

If you become the subject of a DOJ executive fraud focus, immediate and strategic legal action is critical. At Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP, we cover a range of defense strategies.

Challenging Intent

Many white-collar cases hinge on proving that the executive knowingly engaged in fraud. Our legal team, however, works to demonstrate that any discrepancies were unintentional or the result of reasonable business judgment.

Attacking Procedural Missteps

Federal investigations must follow strict protocols. We scrutinize every aspect of the case for unlawful searches, improper subpoenas, or violations of due process.

Limiting Exposure Through Negotiation

In some cases, early negotiation with prosecutors can limit charges or avoid indictment altogether. Our reputation as aggressive, highly skilled defense attorneys often positions us favorably in these discussions.

Preparing for Trial

If necessary, our legal team is always ready to take cases to trial. With decades of courtroom experience, including complex federal litigation, we know how to dismantle weak government arguments and present compelling defenses to juries.

Why Choose Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP?

When your career, reputation, and freedom are on the line, you need more than just a general criminal defense lawyer. It’s time to find a legal team that understands the complexities of federal law, corporate governance, and media pressure from the inside out.

At Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP, our Los Angeles white-collar crime lawyers have built a solid reputation by successfully defending high-profile clients against serious federal charges. Whether you’re facing a full-scale indictment or seeking guidance to prevent one, we provide discreet, effective representation tailored to executives and public figures.

Speak with One of Our Experienced Executive Fraud Defense Attorneys in Los Angeles

Whether you need a thorough pre-indictment risk assessment or an aggressive defense against ongoing corporate fraud investigations, our legal team is here to protect you.

Call (213) 688-0460 for a confidential consultation with the attorneys at Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP. We know how to defend executives facing white-collar crackdowns—and we know how to win.