Jake M. Shields Discusses False Claims Act Enforcement for Customs and Tariff Fraud with The Wall Street Journal

In the Media  |  July 14, 2025

The Wall Street Journal

Partner Jake M. Shields spoke to The Wall Street Journal (subscription required) about how the sweeping trade tariffs will lead to increased federal civil enforcement under the False Claims Act for customs and tariffs fraud.

As companies seek to minimize their liability, they face a dual threat of a more aggressive pursuit of tariff and customs-related cases by the U.S. Department of Justice and a rise in whistleblower claims alleging wrongdoing.

Jake told the publication, “You have a broad swath of industry that is highly incentivized to find a way out of this.” He continued, “Many will do so lawfully, and others will do things that are close to the line — or cross it — and may get them in trouble with the Department of Justice.”