Import & Export Criminal Violations Attorney in Nashville, TN

Written by Kimberly S. Hodde, National Chair of Criminal Defense at Meister Seelig & Schuster

Federal investigations into import and export violations have intensified significantly under the joint Department of Justice (DOJ) and Department of Homeland Security Trade Fraud Task Force (TFTF), which recently surpassed $1 billion in recoveries and charged losses, according to a July 14, 2026 DOJ press release. These enforcement actions target illegal transshipments, tariff evasion, and forced labor under enhanced cross-agency enforcement. The cases are often spearheaded by Homeland Security’s (HSI) Trade Fraud Task Force in conjunction with other federal agencies, including:

  • U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP): Investigates duty evasion, misclassification, and undervaluation schemes via the Enforce and Protect Act (EAPA).
  • Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS): Oversees export controls, the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), and technology transfers.
  • Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC): Targets transactions involving embargoed countries, prohibited entities, and the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List.

Because several agencies and overlapping statutes may be involved, businesses and executives can benefit from a coordinated federal white-collar criminal defense strategy.

Common Import and Export Fraud Allegations

These law enforcement agencies often investigate violations of duty and export regulations and statutes, as well as other violations of federal statutory law. A duty evasion investigation often examines the undervaluation of goods, illegal transshipment, or misrepresentation of country of origin to evade Section 301 tariffs. Export control breach investigations focus on transferring controlled technical data or dual-use items to foreign parties without proper licensing. Statutory violations include trafficking prohibited wildlife or timber under the Lacey Act or distributing unverified hazardous products.

Civil and Criminal Penalties for Trade Violation

These investigations can result in both civil and criminal penalties, including False Claims Act litigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office or the DOJ’s Civil Division, up to 5 years in prison for individuals charged with Lacey Act violations, steep criminal fines, asset forfeiture, and prison sentences for corporate executives.

Experienced Import and Export Criminal Defense

If your business is under investigation for an import, export, tariff, or trade-related violation, contact Kim Hodde and MSS-Nashville for guidance.

Practice Areas