Indiana launches new federal fraud task force to strengthen investigations into taxpayer funded fraud and cybercrime

Indianapolis, Indiana – Federal officials in Indiana are strengthening their efforts to fight fraud by bringing together dozens of investigators and prosecutors under a newly created task force aimed at protecting taxpayer-funded programs and increasing cooperation across government agencies.

United States Attorney Thomas E. Wheeler II announced the initiative after hosting a Federal Fraud Forum that brought together representatives from 20 federal law enforcement agencies. During the meeting, participants discussed ways to improve coordination, share information, and build a stronger strategy for identifying and prosecuting fraud throughout Indiana.

At the center of the effort is the newly established Southern District of Indiana Fraud Task Force (SDIN Fraud Task Force). The group includes federal prosecutors, special agents, forensic accountants, intelligence analysts, and other specialists from multiple federal agencies. Officials said the task force will focus on improving data-sharing and investigative cooperation to uncover fraud schemes more quickly and bring those responsible to justice.

The task force will also concentrate on crimes involving taxpayer-funded programs, cybercrime, and scams that target Indiana residents.

Task force supports nationwide anti-fraud effort

The Indiana initiative is part of a larger nationwide campaign led by the White House and the U.S. Department of Justice to reduce fraud involving federal programs.

On March 16, 2026, President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14395, directing federal agencies to work together and speed up efforts to reduce waste, fraud, and abuse involving federal benefit programs. The order calls for a coordinated national strategy overseen by the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance.

Federal officials said the new Indiana task force will help carry out those goals at the local level while making better use of federal investigative resources.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office noted that its anti-fraud work has already produced significant results this year.

During 2026, federal prosecutors have secured criminal charges, prison sentences, or restitution orders against 19 individuals in fraud-related cases.

Among the most recent prosecutions, eight defendants were sentenced for participating in a $1.2 million travel insurance kickback scheme. In another case, Shayna Williams pleaded guilty to leading an elder fraud scheme involving approximately $500,000.

Officials said Hoosiers can expect more investigations and prosecutions as federal agencies continue expanding their coordinated enforcement efforts.

United States Attorney Wheeler said the forum marked an important step toward improving cooperation among federal agencies while continuing to work closely with state and local partners.

“Today’s forum is a major step in reaffirming our commitment to rooting out fraud in Indiana. This is also designed to provide a framework for a consistent approach to these important matters on the federal side as we continue our strong working relationships with our state and local partners to strengthen a whole-of-government approach,” Wheeler said.

He also issued a warning to individuals who commit fraud against government programs.

“Fraudsters should be aware—the federal government is watching at every level. We will leverage the full resources of law enforcement to find you, uncover your schemes, and ensure you are held accountable for every penny.”

Wheeler thanked the many agencies participating in both the Federal Fraud Forum and the SDIN Fraud Task Force. Those agencies include the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, the United States Secret Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and inspector general offices representing numerous federal departments, including Commerce, Education, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, Labor, Transportation, Veterans Affairs, the Postal Service, the Small Business Administration, the Social Security Administration, and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.

Federal officials said the expanded partnership is designed to make fraud investigations more effective, strengthen information sharing, and better protect taxpayer dollars while holding individuals accountable for crimes that misuse public funds.