Semiannual Report to Congress, No. 79 U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General

This Semiannual Report presents activities and accomplishments from April 1, 2019, through September 30, 2019. The audits, investigations,and related work highlighted in the report are products of our mission to identify and stop fraud, waste, and abuse, and promote accountability, efficiency, and effectiveness through our oversight of the Department’s programs and operations. Our our audit related work included 9 reports with recommendations aimed at improving Department programs and operations. Our investigative work closed 45 investigations involving fraud or corruption and secured more than $8.5 million in restitution, settlements, fines, recoveries, and forfeitures. As a result of this work, criminal actions were taken against numerous people, including current and former school officials and service providers who cheated students and taxpayers.