Government
Jun. 24, 2025
9th Circuit affirms $24M False Claims verdict against Sigma over customs fraud
The ruling marks the first time a federal appellate court has affirmed a customs-based FCA trial verdict, reinforcing the government's power--and private whistleblowers' ability--to pursue civil fraud claims tied to import duties and trade enforcement.
In a precedent-setting decision, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Monday upheld a $24.2 million False Claims Act verdict against Sigma Corporation, rejecting the pipe fitting manufacturer's argument that ambiguous trade rules justified years of falsified customs declarations.
The ruling marks the first time a federal appellate court has affirmed a customs-based FCA trial verdict, reinforcing the government's power--and private whistleblowers' ability--to pursu...
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