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Michigan unemployment insurance fraud cases

Every Justice Department announcement of unemployment insurance fraud prosecuted in Michigan since January 20, 2025.

All announcements

DateAnnouncementStageAmount
2026-10-15Former Postal Employee Sentenced to 20 Months in Prison for Fraud in Connection with Unemployment Insurance BenefitsSentenced—
2026-05-06Detroiter Pleads Guilty in $16M Federal Student Aid Fraud SchemePleaded guilty$16M
2026-04-13Detroit Man Pleads Guilty in $1.9M in Unemployment Insurance and Pandemic Fraud SchemePleaded guilty$1.9M
2026-02-18West Bloomfield Resident Sentenced for Multi-State Unemployment Fraud SchemeSentenced$626K
2026-02-02Last of Eight Defendants Sentenced in $7.7 Million Pandemic Fraud SchemeSentenced$7.7M
2026-01-08Detroit Man Pleads Guilty in Half-Million Dollar Pandemic Unemployment Insurance Fraud, ID-Theft SchemePleaded guilty$500K
2025-12-04Former State Employee and Co-Conspirator Sentenced for Stealing Unemployment Insurance BenefitsSentenced—
2025-08-28Former State Employee Pleads Guilty to Bribery Conspiracy Involving More Than $2.8 Million in Unemployment Insurance Assistance FundingPleaded guilty—
2025-06-16Former State Employee Sentenced for Taking Bribes to Approve Fraudulent Claims for Unemployment Insurance BenefitsSentenced$1.5M
2025-05-12Former State Employee Pleads Guilty to Unemployment Insurance Fraud SchemePleaded guilty$250K
2025-04-23Pontiac Man Pleads Guilty in $4M Identity Theft and Unemployment Fraud CasePleaded guilty$4M
2025-03-13Ringleader of $6.2M Unemployment Insurance Fraud Sentenced to Nearly 8 Years PrisonSentenced$6.3M
2025-02-19Detroit Man Sentenced To Over Four Years in Federal Prison For Participating In Multi-State Pandemic Unemployment Insurance Fraud SchemeSentenced$900K

Source: U.S. Department of Justice press releases. Amounts should not be added: one case can appear at several stages. Charged cases are allegations.

Where to report unemployment insurance fraud in Michigan

Unemployment insurance fraud is covered by the federal WHIP program: a tip that leads to criminal charges can earn $10,000–$30,000. More on reporting unemployment insurance fraud, all fraud cases and reward laws in Michigan, and Unemployment cases in every state.

Frequently asked questions

How many Unemployment fraud cases has the DOJ announced in Michigan?

13 announcements since January 20, 2025, or 6.1% of all Unemployment announcements in our database. Each press release is counted separately, so one case can appear at charge, plea and sentencing.

How do I report unemployment insurance fraud in Michigan?

Unemployment Insurance Agency – Fraud and Identity Theft; Department of Labor OIG hotline; America.gov/fraud (WHIP reward portal). To be eligible for a federal WHIP award, submit the tip in writing at America.gov/fraud.

Sources

  1. U.S. Department of Justice press releases (justice.gov/news)
  2. DOL OIG hotline
  3. DOJ: National Fraud Enforcement Division Criminal Tip Rewards Pilot Program, terms and conditions (updated Oct. 20, 2026)