Benjamin J. Katz is a litigator with experience prosecuting major criminal cases. He focuses his practice on white collar criminal defense, including matters related to money laundering, asset forfeiture, and anti-money laundering (AML) and Bank Secrecy Act compliance, as well as defense against False Claims Act, Anti-Kickback Statute, and qui tam claims. In addition, Ben uses his trial experience in representing businesses and individuals in complex commercial and business litigation matters in state and federal courts.
As an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) in the Major Frauds and Public Corruption Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California, Benjamin represented the United States in all stages of criminal prosecutions, including 11 trials. He handled matters arising from issues related to money laundering, health care fraud and kickbacks, mail and wire fraud, mortgage fraud, computer hacking, public corruption, RICO conspiracies, white collar crime, drug importation and distribution, and firearms.
In his role as AUSA, Benjamin oversaw investigations conducted by federal law enforcement agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security, the Secret Service, the Internal Revenue Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service. He also participated in cross-border joint investigations with foreign agencies, including the Australian Federal Police, the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, the New South Wales Police Force, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the National Crime Agency (UK), and the Garda Crime and Security Branch (Ireland).
Concentrations
•White collar criminal defense
•Federal investigations
•Public corruption
•Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)
•Money laundering and asset forfeiture
•Anti-money laundering and Bank Secrecy Act compliance
•False Claims Act, Anti-Kickback Statute, Stark law, and qui tam defense
•Internal investigations
