Investigators conduct the EPA OIG’s criminal investigations, which look for violations of the law. Investigations may involve such areas as financial fraud, employee misconduct, intrusion into EPA systems and computers, impersonating EPA officials and theft of EPA property and funds. If a federal law is violated, the OIG presents the evidence to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, which determines if the subject(s) will be prosecuted. If the OIG’s investigation uncovers no evidence that a crime was committed, the case is closed. If the investigation finds administrative but no criminal violation, a report is given to the agency for action.
The OIG typically does not announce, confirm or deny the existence of an open investigation or make public the results of investigations. However, once an investigation has been closed, the report of investigation (ROI) and related documents may be available under the Freedom of Information Act.
Learn more about the types of investigations that the OIG may undertake related to the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on EPA and CSB programs and operations.