Homeland Security launches operation to combat COVID-19 related crimes

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) announced Wednesday that it has launched Operation Stolen Promise to combat COVID-19 related fraud and other criminal activity.

The operation pools resources among multiple federal departments and agencies due to surging criminal activity surrounding the pandemic.

Homeland Security said, as of Tuesday, agents have opened more than 130 investigations nationwide, seized more than $3 million in illicit proceeds, made nine arrests, executed seven search warrants, sink-holed about 11,000 COVID-19 domain names and worked with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to seize over 225 shipments of mislabeled, fraudulent, unauthorized or prohibited COVID-19 related equipment and kits.

The Food and Drug Administration, Secret Service, FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Five Eyes Law Enforcement Working Group are also partnering with Homeland Security as part of the operation.

Anyone who sees suspected criminal activity or fraudulent schemes is asked to report them to Covid19Fraud@dhs.gov.