Thoughtful Insight and Updates on Legal Issues that Matter to You

Perspectives

Justice Department Announces FCPA Charges Brought Against Former Siemens Executives

On December 13, 2011, the U.S. Department of Justice ("DOJ") announced that it formally brought charges against eight former executives and agents of Siemens AG. The indictment, found here, charges […]

U.S. Tax Court Rules Against Taxpayer Who Received Multiple Tax Opinions

In Gustashaw v. Comm’r, T.C. Memo 2011-195 (T.C. 2011), the Tax Court held that the taxpayers who conceded deficiencies in tax attributable to  participation in a Custom Adjustable Rate Debt […]

U.S. Department of Justice indicts taxpayer for FBAR violation and tax evasion

On November 17, 2011, a grand jury in the Northern District of California returned an indictment against Ashvin Desai alleging violation of 26 U.S.C. sections 7201 (tax evasion) and 7206(2) […]

Absolute Poker Co-Owner Pleads Guilty To Conspiracy To Violate UIGEA, Wire Fraud, And Mail Fraud In Connection With Internet Poker Site Operation

On December 20, 2011, Brent Beckley, co-owner of Absolute Poker, an internet poker website, pled guilty to conspiracy to violate the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (“UIGEA”), mail fraud, and wire fraud in connection to his operation of the internet poker website.

FDA and FTC Team up to Target HCG Weight Loss Products

On December 6, 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the issuance of seven Warning Letters to companies marketing human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) products for weight loss. Found […]

Third Circuit Vacates Sentence of John M. Crim in Commonwealth Trust Company Tax Shelter Criminal Tax Case

On December 12, 2011, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals entered an opinion and order in the consolidated case of United States of America, v. John M. Crim, et al.  […]

Feds Winning Battle against Health Care Fraud

Federal prosecutors brought a record number of cases of health care fraud in fiscal 2011, a new report said, with Florida and its huge Medicare-dependent population remaining the epicenter of fraudulent claims.

FDA Issues Two Draft Guidances Regarding Investigational Device Exemptions

On November 10, 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued two new draft guidance documents regarding Investigational Device Exemptions (IDE) applications for early feasibility studies and clinical investigations. […]

Merck Agrees to $950 Million in Fines for Unlawful Promotion of Vioxx

On November 22, 2011, the U.S. Justice Department announced that Merck had agreed to a settlement of $950 million in connection with the allegedly unlawful promotion of the painkiller Vioxx. […]

FDA Initiates Enforcement Against Dietary Supplement Manufacturer

On November 23, 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the initiation of enforcement measures against a dietary supplement manufacturer, charging the company with several violations of the […]