HUD Office of Inspector General

09/10/2026

Each year our Special Agents investigate hundreds of sophisticated cases, but the stories of their diligent work are often left untold.

Today we’re excited to share one of these cases with you in a video telling the story of a complex mortgage fraud scheme with Jacob Dochee, a Chicago developer, at the heart of it all.

This video marks the start of a new series “HUD OIG Investigates” where we will tell the stories of the outstanding investigative work our Special Agents do to defeat crime, fraud, waste, and abuse.

Every case starts with a lead or a person willing to speak up. If you suspect fraud, report it online at www.hudoig.gov/Hotline.

https://youtu.be/sh8DjKcoIME

Fraud leaves a trail. HUD OIG follows it. Jacob Dochee built a su...

09/08/2026

🏠 Strengthening Accountability to Protect Tenants and Ensure Safe, Stable Housing

HUD OIG’s recent audit of Huntington Apartments in Waldorf, Maryland revealed serious lapses in property management that had a direct human impact on residents and families who rely on HUD‑supported housing.

The audit found that between January 2023 and December 2024, 38 tenants moved out and no new tenants were admitted, despite the property having hundreds of applicants on a waiting list dating back to 2018 and full Section 8 subsidy available for all 204 units. As the report outlines, two prior management agents failed to fill vacant units, leaving families waiting years for housing while units sat empty.

This mismanagement not only denied families access to safe, stable housing—it contributed to more than $1 million in lost operating revenue in 2024, worsening the property's financial condition.

The audit also determined that required annual tenant income recertifications were not completed in December 2023, causing tenants to lose eligibility for crucial housing assistance payments and placing vulnerable households at risk of losing their homes.

Additionally, Huntington Apartments faced issues including:
• Failure to track and complete work orders in a timely manner
• Late mortgage payments and unnecessary late fees
• A tenant security deposit account that was not fully funded
• Housing assistance payments issued for tenants who had moved out

These conditions reflected weak internal controls and poor oversight by two prior management agents. As HUD OIG noted, the cumulative effect of these failures created instability for tenants and increased the risk of future enforcement actions.
However, the audit also reports meaningful improvement: after the owner replaced the management agent in July 2025, four of the six major deficiencies were resolved, including vacancy rates, work order completion, deposit funding, and stopping subsidy payments for departed tenants. By March 2026, occupancy rebounded to nearly 89 percent.

At HUD OIG, our mission is clear: We identify and address failures that harm residents, jeopardize federal resources, and undermine safe housing in America. Every audit represents an opportunity to protect families, strengthen accountability, and ensure housing providers meet HUD’s standards.

Safe housing is a commitment—and accountability is how we uphold it.

Read the full report here:https://www.hudoig.gov/sites/default/files/2026-08/2026-bo-1002_508.pdf

09/03/2026

🛡️ Protecting Taxpayers & Low-Income Communities: Ensuring Proper Use of CDBG Funds

HUD OIG recently reviewed nearly $2.4M in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds administered by Miami-Dade County. While the bulk of the funds were properly allocated—supporting housing rehabilitation and technical assistance for small businesses—an error was identified: a $33,500 activity was misclassified in HUD’s accounting reporting system.

🏘️Impact on stakeholders:

🔴 Potential improper payment could dilute resources meant for low- and moderate-income residents.

🔴Taxpayer funds may be at risk without timely classification and reconciliation.

💸Our Accountability Actions:

🔴 HUD OIG issued a formal recommendation to correct the system entry and pursue repayment of misused funds.

🔴We emphasized the importance of internal controls and accurate reporting to uphold public trust.

🔴 By identifying and correcting seemingly small administrative gaps, HUD OIG ensures meaningful oversight—protecting both community beneficiaries and taxpayers.

Read more:https://www.hudoig.gov/sites/default/files/2026-08/2026-oe-1001_508.pdf

09/01/2026

At Chalet Terrace in Jackson, Michigan, HUD OIG uncovered conditions that put families in danger: 285 deficiencies, including 191 life‑threatening hazards like electrical risks, missing smoke alarms, mold, carbon monoxide exposure, and blocked exits.

What’s even more alarming? 87% of inspected units failed. Only 3 of 45 units passed inspection. That’s unacceptable.

These aren’t just numbers — they represent real families facing unsafe living environments. HUD OIG has issued strong recommendations to ensure repairs, on‑site inspections, and better oversight.

Everyone deserves a home that is safe, decent, and sanitary. HUD OIG is committed to protecting tenants and holding housing providers accountable.

Read the full report here:https://www.hudoig.gov/sites/default/files/2026-08/2026-oe-1002_508.pdf

08/27/2026

🚨 🚨

Fraudsters Steal Over $187K in COVID Rental Relief – HUD OIG Steps In 💸

During the height of the pandemic, two Lenoir County, NC women submitted 23 fraudulent rental-assistance applications—stealing over $187,000 in emergency relief dollars that were meant to protect families from eviction.

This theft directly harmed renters relying on scarce relief funds. HUD OIG joined forces with federal and local agencies to ensure justice and accountability. Each defendant faces up to 30 years in prison and a potential $1M fine—underscoring our zero-tolerance policy toward those who exploit HUD programs.

Read press release: https://www.hudoig.gov/newsroom/press-release/two-lenoir-county-women-guilty-180k-covid-fraud-case?indexRefer=/news-congressional/press-releases

08/26/2026

🚨 Health Hazard in Public Housing

Our latest HUD OIG audit found that of 69 public housing units in Buffalo, nearly 94%, lacked proper visual lead inspections, and two‑thirds didn’t receive lead hazard disclosures. These lapses endanger the health of families—especially kids under 6, who face irreversible developmental harm.

HUD OIG is committed to enforcing policies that protect vulnerable residents and holding agencies accountable.

Read the full report here: https://www.hudoig.gov/sites/default/files/2026-08/2026ch1001_508.pdf

08/25/2026

Fraud targeting federal housing programs doesn’t just steal money—it steals opportunities from families striving for stability and homeownership.

HUD OIG is proud to join the Department of Justice in launching the National Fraud Detection Center, a coordinated, prosecutor‑led effort designed to detect fraud earlier, strengthen investigative collaboration, and enhance enforcement across agencies.

Our commitment is clear: protect victims, preserve trust, and hold accountable anyone who abuses federal housing programs.

Read the press release:
https://www.hudoig.gov/newsroom/press-release/announcement-launching-national-fraud-detection-center?indexRefer=/news-congressional/press-releases

Report crime, fraud, waste and abuse in HUD Programs:
https://www.hudoig.gov/hotline

08/14/2026

The audacity of Michael Asumda’s mortgage fraud scheme left real victims in its wake. By recruiting straw buyers, inflating property values, and submitting falsified mortgage documents, he siphoned off funds intended to support honest homeowners.

Asumda fled the country in 2017 — but justice caught up. After extradition from Ghana, he received a 57‑month federal sentence and nearly $2 million in restitution from the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia.

HUD OIG continues to safeguard taxpayer dollars and hold accountable those who harm families and communities through fraud. Report crime, waste, fraud and abuse in HUD programs – www.hudoig.gov/Hotline.

08/13/2026

HUD OIG is proud to recognize the incredible teamwork across law enforcement that recently led to the safe recovery of two missing girls from Toledo, Ohio. Thanks to coordinated efforts—including the U.S. Marshals Service—these children are now safe.

Partnerships like these make all the difference, and we remain committed to protecting families and strengthening communities.

Read more: https://www.hudoig.gov/newsroom/press-release/2-girls-missing-toledo-recovered-cleveland-us-marshals

08/11/2026

🚩 130 Children Found with Elevated Blood-Lead Levels

Thousands of New York City families spent years living in apartments with peeling lead paint, mold, leaks, rats, and roaches. Over 130 children were poisoned by lead during that time.

Federal and state officials have now required the landlords to pay $6.5 million and make major repairs across more than 2,500 apartments. This includes removing all lead hazards, fixing unhealthy conditions, and providing restitution to the families who were harmed.

This is about the victims who lived through these conditions. Families are finally getting accountability, safer homes, and long‑overdue support.

Learn more: https://www.hudoig.gov/newsroom/press-release/united-states-obtains-consent-decree-against-lilmor-management-morris?indexRefer=/news-congressional/press-releases