Welcome back, listeners, to your weekly DOJ dispatch. This week, the biggest headline comes from the Antitrust Division: Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Daniel W. Glad just signaled a ramp-up in criminal prosecutions, warning that cartel players face not just fines, but real prison time—their liberty on the line.

In his first public remarks on March 6, Glad highlighted FY 2025 stats: nearly 100 new criminal investigations launched, 24% more cases filed, and a staggering 1,200% jump in prison days handed down. He's doubling down on the Procurement Collusion Strike Force, which he's led—it's trained 46,000 officials, sparked 195 probes, nabbed 75 convictions, and clawed back over $70 million. The Antitrust Whistleblower Rewards Program is surging too, with credible tips flooding in, pitting insiders against their own companies in the race for leniency.

Meanwhile, DOJ dropped its first-ever corporate enforcement policy for all criminal cases on March 10. Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva said it rewards disclosure, cooperation, and fixes, while chasing individual accountability to shield everyday Americans.

On the fiscal front, the FY 2026 budget proposes cuts like $823 million from state grants, axing the Community Relations Service, and shifting human trafficking units to focus on cartels. False Claims Act recoveries hit a record $6.8 billion last year, with PPP loan fraud chases rolling into 2026.

For American citizens, this means tougher deterrence against price-fixing that hits your wallet at the pump or grocery. Businesses face heightened compliance pressure—strengthen programs now or risk whistleblowers and raids. States lose grant cash but gain PCSF tools against bid-rigging in public projects. No big international ripple here, but it bolsters U.S. leverage abroad.

Experts like Sidley analysts note companies should audit procurement fast. Watch for whistleblower payouts and guideline tweaks on fentanyl by late 2026.

Stay informed at justice.gov. Dive deeper, report tips via the Antitrust hotline.

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