White Collar Crime Trends Examined in Chambers 2026 Guide

White collar crime enforcement in California continues to evolve as federal prosecutors shift priorities, expand fraud investigations, and pursue cases involving public corruption, healthcare fraud, economic espionage, and financial crimes.

In an article published in the Chambers and Partners White-Collar Crime 2026 Guide, The Freedman Firm Founder Michael G. Freedman examines the latest trends in white collar criminal prosecutions across the nation and in California, including developments in the state’s four federal judicial districts and growing enforcement activity by state and local prosecutors.

Titled “White-Collar Crime in California: Recent Trends Across the Golden State,” the article explores how national Department of Justice (DOJ) priorities, regional economic activity, and emerging enforcement initiatives are shaping the criminal investigations and prosecutions facing businesses, executives, and individuals.

National White Collar Crime Enforcement Priorities

Despite significant departures of federal prosecutors and a renewed national emphasis on immigration enforcement and transnational criminal organizations, white collar crime remains a priority for the DOJ.

Michael examines the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division, a new DOJ component designed to strengthen and coordinate federal fraud prosecutions. Its broad authority encompasses healthcare fraud, tax violations, government program fraud, and other financial crimes, signaling continued federal scrutiny of fraudulent conduct.

Key White Collar Crime Trends Across California

 The article identifies several significant areas of enforcement activity:

• Nonprofit and Public-Funds Fraud: Federal and local prosecutors are increasing scrutiny of public funds distributed through nonprofits and government programs, particularly in Los Angeles’ homelessness services sector. Investigations also extend to alleged misuse of pandemic relief funds and other public resources.
• Public Corruption: Prosecutors across California are pursuing allegations involving public officials, government contracts, campaign funds, and misuse of public office. Recent cases illustrate sustained enforcement at the federal, state, and local levels.
• Trade Secrets, Export Controls, and Economic Espionage: Northern California’s technology industry remains a focal point for investigations involving theft of intellectual property, artificial intelligence technology, and alleged economic espionage. Southern California prosecutors are also targeting violations of export restrictions and international sanctions.
• Investment, Securities, and Cryptocurrency Fraud: Federal authorities continue to investigate alleged market manipulation, investor deception, cryptocurrency schemes, and related money laundering. Cases involving digital assets and emerging financial technologies remain prominent.
• Healthcare Fraud: Medicare and Medi-Cal fraud prosecutions remain active throughout California, with investigations involving hospice care, medical equipment suppliers, fraudulent billing, and kickback arrangements.
• Cross-Border Financial Crime: Prosecutors in Southern California are pursuing money laundering tied to international narcotics trafficking organizations, as well as customs fraud and smuggling schemes involving the region’s major ports and commercial networks.

What’s Ahead for White Collar Crime Enforcement in California?

Looking ahead, Michael anticipates continued reliance on coordinated, multi-agency investigations and specialized task forces. He also identifies the growing role of county district attorneys in pursuing complex fraud, corruption, and regulatory cases.

Businesses, executives, and individuals facing potential government investigations should be aware of these developments that underscore the importance of understanding how federal, state, and local enforcement priorities are changing.