Good morning. I'm Craig Goldberg, Deputy Chief Postal Inspector with the United States Postal Inspection Service. Thank you to A/Assistant Attorney General Rabbitt and the Department of Justice for the opportunity to reflect today on our role in these important investigations.  

The Paycheck Protection Program ("PPP") was established as a lifeline to America's small businesses during the pandemic, and unfortunately, a small number of PPP recipients have allegedly defrauded that program.  In doing so, these alleged scammers have deprived potentially deserving small businesses of critical funds.  

In some cases it is alleged that fraudulently obtained funds have been spent on frivolous material expenses such as exotic sports cars and houses.  This is especially cruel to those deserving American small business owners who were unable to receive PPP funds and who may have to close their doors and lay off employees.

The Postal Inspection Service is committed to combatting this insidious fraud with our federal law enforcement partners including the Department of Justice, the FBI, SBA-OIG, IRS-CI, FDIC-OIG, FHFA-OIG, and our many other partners.  

In addition to the many postal inspectors investigating fraud across our 17 field divisions, the Postal Inspection Service also has a team of Postal Inspectors embedded within the Department of Justice Fraud Section conducting major fraud investigations including investigations of significant PPP fraud and other CARES Act related fraud.  These Postal Inspectors are relentless in their pursuit of justice on behalf of the American public.

Today's announcement of the 50th arrest related to PPP fraud is a significant milestone to be recognized, and I am proud of the Postal Inspection Service's investigative efforts that have helped lead to this accomplishment.  However, it should be noted that this is not the end of the Postal Inspection Service's efforts.  The Postal Inspection Service and our federal law enforcement partners will be tireless in pursuing those who have defrauded the PPP and other CARES Act programs.  

On a final note, I want to encourage the public to report to federal law enforcement information they have about suspected PPP fraud.  It is often through the public's help that we identify and bring to justice these scammers.  You can report suspected PPP fraud to federal law enforcement by calling the Department of Justice Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721.  You can also file a report with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at our website, www.uspis.gov.

Thank you.