A spokesperson for the Pentagon's Defense Logistics Agency, Dawn Darden, said that the government raced to look at "all billing records..." and that this kind of fraud is "...not a widespread problem." They have found some other "questionable billing," but that the Carolina company's total take stood out by a large margin. For something that is denigrated as "not wide-spread", they noted that the "next-highest billing for questionable costs totaled $2 million." A pittance.
Bloomberg understands money. Take this $20.5 million, that $2 million, add up the rest of the fraud and corruption and what would you have? For those of you dealing with the high cost of living in a nation embroiled in a war against evil attackers, a credit crisis (could fraud be a part of that, too?) this example of federal effectiveness will be reassuring.
Those looking for a new business should consider a shipping service directed at the military. Get a UPS and FedX account and a lot of Express Mail envelopes (they are free) and keep the bill in the range of "negligible" — under $2 million. Let the troops support you.
Article comments
1 - Dave Nalle
Truly remarkable that this should be possible after previous similar scandals in the 1970s and 1980s.
Dave
2 - Lumpy
Maybe this is why Halliburton gets no bid contracts, because they are at least not engaged in intentional fraud.
3 - Dr Dreadful
So, they charge the Pentagon $998,798.
They're being fined $750,000.
That's almost a $150,000 profit.
Nice work.
4 - Lumpy
Wasn't there also some mention of jail time? Also I'd bet the fine is in addition to resritution. And all their assets are getting sold, right?
5 - bliffle
Well, lumpy, were there?
6 - Clavos
Fuckin' stupid ass government.
And we're seriously considering letting them administer and run the healthcare system?
Howard: God bless you in dealing with Dean.
Are you staying?
7 - Nancy
No wonder the US is drowning in debt: first $700 ashtrays, then the military "loses" a quarter-million weapons & ammo, now this.