Federal Benefits Under Scrutiny Amid Washington Crime Crackdown

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' internal watchdog office has launched an investigation into potential enrollment fraud in federal benefits among those involved in President Donald Trump's Washington crime crackdown, according to sources and a government document.

The inspector general's office is examining whether these individuals have exploited programs, including Medicare and Medicaid, beyond the reasons behind their police stops. This effort ties up department resources usually dedicated to significant fraud cases. While arrests have been made, it's unclear if anyone has been charged with benefit fraud.

White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson emphasized the administration's commitment to preventing all crimes while safeguarding services for law-abiding citizens. The crackdown led to a notable reduction in Washington's crime rate, prompting Trump to consider extending the initiative to other cities.

(With inputs from agencies.)