Stimulus Watchdogs Go CSI

Analysts working for the independent federal board that monitors stimulus spending are using CSI-style tools to fight fraudsters, according to a report about oversight operations that the Recovery Accountability and Transparency Board released to the president and Congress on Monday.

The staffers, who have backgrounds in auditing, investigating, contracting, program analysis math, and statistics, draw up graphics detailing suspicious connections between people and spending activities and refer the diagrams to the appropriate inspectors general for further investigation.

"We have created maps that depict counties across the United States hardest hit by the recession (i.e., high foreclosure and unemployment rates). This data is overlaid with information about Recovery Act programs and recipients to show potential areas of risk," the report states. Then, "the location of all hotline calls [containing tips from the public] is tracked to look for trends in potential fraud, waste, and abuse allegations."

As of Jan. 31, the board and inspectors general had 147 active investigations, accepted 43 cases for prosecution, denied six cases for prosecution and referred five for alternative resolution.