Texas Comptroller Don Huffines on Oct. 19 launched an online whistleblower portal that lets residents report suspected fraud, corruption, tax evasion, waste and abuse involving state tax dollars, according to a news release by the Comptroller’s office.
The Law Enforcement Operations (LEO) portal sends tips securely and directly to the agency’s investigators, according to the release. The agency said Texans can submit detailed reports, upload supporting documentation and remain anonymous if they choose.
The release said the portal is meant for reports about those who cheat on the taxes they owe, government officials who misuse taxpayer money, and businesses and nonprofits that break state tax law.
“The Comptroller’s Law Enforcement Operations Division finds those who lie and cheat to steal taxpayer money, recovers what they took, and builds the cases that send the crooks to prison,” Huffines said in the release. “Texans see things we cannot. If you witness or suspect fraud, tax evasion, waste, or abuse, report it. Together we strive to protect all taxpayer money and hold accountable those who steal it or refuse to pay their share.”
The LEO division, which the agency said was reorganized when Huffines took office Aug. 1, is a statewide police organization commissioned by the Comptroller’s office under authority granted by the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure and Tax Code. According to the release, its investigators pursue fraud and corruption across Texas, including government officials who misuse taxpayer money, businesses and nonprofits that break state tax law, and anyone who commits perjury on government forms or tampers with government records.
The agency said investigators also handle tax fraud and evasion of every kind, from sales tax collected and never remitted to motor fuel, tobacco and motor vehicle tax crimes. The division brings money laundering and organized crime charges where warranted, partners with local, state and federal law enforcement, and works in every case to recover what was taken, the release said.
“Fraudsters, tax cheats, and anyone misusing taxpayer money should take notice,” Huffines said in the release. “We will aggressively pursue anyone who defrauds the state of Texas, and now every Texan can help us find them.”
The Comptroller’s office said additional information is available on the agency’s website. The portal gives members of the public a direct channel to the division’s investigators, the agency said.