Comptroller Don Huffines launched the Texas Fraud Investigation and Recovery Strike Team on Thursday, a new statewide unit that will be called Texas FIRST. The unit will operate within the comptroller’s Law Enforcement Operations Division.
The comptroller’s Law Enforcement Operations Division is a statewide law enforcement organization responsible for investigating tax-related crimes and other financial offenses. Its investigators examine cases involving unpaid state taxes, fraudulent government records, and the misuse of taxpayer funds.
The Texas FIRST Strike Team is tasked specifically with investigating government corruption, sales tax fraud, unclaimed property fraud, and schemes that exploit state programs.
“Texas FIRST 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. “No one is off limits.”
Working alongside regional investigators across Texas, the strike team will coordinate with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
The initiative marks another step in Huffines’ restructuring of the comptroller’s office since taking office on August 1.
As part of those efforts, Huffines has implemented new fraud detection controls intended to prevent illegitimate transactions and launched targeted reviews of major school districts to identify potential misuse or unlawful spending of taxpayer money.
The agency has also restricted the use of state grants for unauthorized surveillance tools and imposed stricter compliance requirements on contractors and grant recipients, including termination for violations.
Earlier this week, Huffines launched a whistleblower portal allowing Texans to anonymously report suspected fraud, tax evasion, waste, and abuse directly to investigators within the comptroller’s office.
The portal allows users to submit detailed allegations and supporting documentation concerning government officials, businesses, nonprofits, and individuals suspected of financial wrongdoing.
“I am relying on all Texans to be my eyes and ears on the ground,” Huffines said. “Help us help you: If you see something, say something.”
