By Special Agent Michael Miklosi, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Detachment 624 / Published July 25, 2019
(U.S. Air Force graphic)
Your unit and your Air Force need your help to identify and report fraudulent activities that deprive us all of precious resources. In addition to major crimes, counterintelligence and technology protection missions, a significant amount of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations’ (AFOSI) resources are dedicated to investigating fraud allegations. In the past few years, AFOSI has recovered well over a billion dollars from fraudsters worldwide. This amount is astounding, considering only about 10 percent of fraudulent activity is detected or reported.
Identifying fraudulent activity and recuperating funds can reduce the impact of budget constraints on base and family support programs. Don’t let anyone walk away with our money, every dollar is important. So how can you help?
Would you know fraud if you saw it? Someone getting bribed with a gift or money, a contractor substituting parts for more expensive parts, mischarging for services or products, and the black marketing of U.S. products are just a few examples. Unfortunately, it may not be that simple or obvious, and sometimes frauds are easy to conceal. Fraud comes in many forms and can often be difficult to prove, which is one of the reasons people are hesitant to report their suspicions. Please do not try to prove it, report your suspicions to your unit leadership or directly to your servicing investigations professionals.
Do you know who to talk to about fraud if you suspect it is occurring? You can report your suspicions to your unit leadership or your installation police, but the allegation will be forwarded to AFOSI or the Naval Criminal Investigations Service (NCIS) since they are the professional agencies charged with investigating such matters. There are a variety of ways to report your suspicions to these agencies and means to keep your name confidential:
For matters affecting Kadena Air Base or any Air Force resource, contact:
AFOSI Detachment 624 at 632-7000 or via e-mail at AFOSI.Kadena.FraudWasteTips@us.af.mil.
Anonymous reports can be made at www.osi.af.mil or by texting “AFOSI” plus your tip information to 847411.
For matters affecting any Navy or United States Marine Corps installation or resource, contact NCIS Okinawa at 645-0213. To report anonymously to NCIS, visit www.ncis.navy.mil.
EXAMPLES OF CRIMINAL FRAUD: