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On February 13, 2025, the US Department of Justice Antitrust Division ("DOJ") and the Federal Bureau of Investigation ("FBI") announced the launch of a new online portal to help track and arrest international fugitives believed to be evading prosecution for anticompetitive crimes by remaining abroad. Specifically, the portal features information on individuals who have been publicly charged with competition crimes but have not yet answered the charges in federal court. The portal currently provides identifying information for more than 70 international fugitives charged in connection with DOJ's long-standing investigations into price fixing and bid rigging conspiracies related to automotive parts, fuel supply contracts to the US Department of Defense, air cargo, and international shipping, among others.1
In the joint agency announcement, FBI Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough explained that"[b]y streamlining intelligence sharing and coordination, [FBI] are better equipped than ever to ensure no criminal can evade justice by hiding across borders." The announcement reflects DOJ's proactive efforts to bring suspected antitrust offenders to justice in partnership with FBI's International Corruption unit, which investigates individuals and organizations committing anticompetitive violations harming US consumers and its economy.
The Department of Justice's (DOJ) focus on prosecuting international actors who violate US competition laws aligns with the February 10th Executive Order, which temporarily halts DOJ's enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). This pause is intended to alleviate regulatory pressures on US businesses operating abroad until new enforcement guidelines are established.
The DOJ's online portal serves as a testament to its dedication to global cooperation and accountability, highlighting efforts to prosecute crimes that significantly impact US commerce. This dual strategy—targeting international wrongdoers while pausing FCPA enforcement—reflects a nuanced balance between maintaining competitive fairness and reducing regulatory burdens on domestic companies.
(See here for more information on the FCPA Executive Order).
1 FBI Antitrust Fugitives — FBI
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