Is Your Company Under Investigation by BIS CPB DOS or OFAC for Import Export Violations

Last Updated on: 14th March 2025, 01:20 am

IS YOUR COMPANY UNDER INVESTIGATION BY BIS, CBP, DOS, OR OFAC FOR IMPORT EXPORT VIOLATIONS?

UNDERSTANDING WHY THIS MATTERS

Companies that are involved in trade often face scrutiny from agencies that are responsible for enforcing import and export laws. If you are being investigated by the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Department of State (DOS), or the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), then you must realize how serious this is. A company that was ignoring these rules could face large financial fines. That means you risk putting your entire business at risk—perhaps even your personal freedom.

I’m your personal strategic advisor, and I won’t sugarcoat it: if your company is under investigation, you need urgent help. Excuses don’t matter. Outcomes do. If you’re not prepared to step up and take action, you might as well accept the harsh penalties that follow a violation. I care about your success, but I will not tolerate procrastination.

WHO ARE THESE AGENCIES THAT ENFORCE IMPORT AND EXPORT LAWS?

BIS: The Bureau of Industry and Security is the agency that was created to enforce export control regulations. If you ship goods that were restricted to certain countries, BIS might investigate you.

CBP: The Customs and Border Protection is the agency that was tasked with protecting U.S. borders. If your business brings goods into the country, CBP might inspect and seize items that were imported in violation of customs laws.

DOS: The Department of State is the agency that was responsible for controlling defense articles and services under ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations). If you export something that was classified as a defense item, DOS might start a deep investigation.

OFAC: The Office of Foreign Assets Control is the agency that was created by the U.S. Treasury to enforce economic sanctions. If you do business with countries or individuals that were under sanctions, OFAC will likely place you under a microscope.

HARSH PENALTIES THAT CAN CRIPPLE YOUR BUSINESS

Penalties that are handed down by these agencies can include massive fines and even criminal charges. That means you, as the owner or manager, might face imprisonment. When a company that was trying to save money by cutting corners on compliance gets caught, the consequences can be devastating. You could lose valuable export privileges, be barred from receiving government contracts, or see your personal future destroyed through felony convictions.

It’s not uncommon for businesses that were unaware of the law to find themselves blindsided. Unfortunately, lack of knowledge will not protect you from these investigations. Penalties can range from thousands of dollars in fines all the way to millions, depending on the severity of the violation. That means a single oversight can shut your doors forever.

WHY A STRATEGIC DEFENSE MATTERS

Many people who are under investigation panic. They hope these agencies will give them a second chance if they stay quiet. That is total nonsense. In reality, investigators who see a company that is disorganized or afraid will push even harder. They will assume you’re hiding something, which gives them the leverage they need to press for tougher penalties. You need a strong defense that was put together by a team of legal experts who can handle federal investigations nationwide.

This is where Spodek Law Group enters the picture. We are a nationwide federal defense law firm that was created by Todd Spodek. Our attorneys who have over 50 years of combined experience can help you navigate these investigations. Our team can try to get charges dismissed, negotiate reductions in fines, or fight tooth and nail if your case goes to court. That means we can do everything possible to salvage your future.

THE BRUTAL TRUTH: ACTION STEPS YOU MUST TAKE

I’m not here to pat you on the back or tell you everything will be fine if you just wait. If your company is under investigation, you must act now. Here is what you need to do—and no, I don’t want to hear excuses.

1. Get Organized Immediately. Evidence that was scattered around your offices could be seized, which leads to confusion about what the government holds against you. Gather all documents and communication logs in a clear, accessible format. That means you reduce your risk of losing track of vital evidence that might help you in court.
2. Stop All Incriminating Communication. Emails that were casually worded and statements that were off-the-cuff can come back to haunt you. If you keep talking about the investigation without a plan, you might create more problems. That means you must consult a legal expert before you speak. Even a single slip of the tongue can be used against you as proof of wrongdoing.
3. Hire Skilled Legal Representation Now. Our attorneys at Spodek Law Group are experienced in complex import and export regulations. We know how these agencies build their cases. That means we can push back by analyzing each piece of evidence. We can also challenge procedures if evidence was illegally obtained. Evidence that was illegally obtained may be tossed out in court. Losing critical evidence often wrecks the government’s case, which could lead to a dismissal or a much smaller penalty.
4. Prepare for the Worst-Case Scenario. You need to assume the investigation will be aggressive. That means you might receive subpoenas or even search warrants. If you’re not prepared, you could crumble under the pressure. Our approach is always to develop a plan for the toughest challenges, so we’re never caught off guard.
5. Do Not Lie to Investigators. A lie that was uncovered by the government creates extra charges for obstruction. That means they can add years to a potential prison sentence. Lying isn’t “minimizing the risk.” It’s turning a bad situation into a full-blown disaster.

HOW SPODEK LAW GROUP DEFENDS YOU

Holistic Defense Strategy: We look at your entire situation. We examine which regulations that were allegedly violated. Then we match your unique facts to the law, in order to identify weaknesses in the government’s evidence. This approach can uncover details that might get your charges dropped.

Challenging the Government’s Process: If investigators violated your rights, we argue for evidence to be suppressed. Evidence that was taken without a proper warrant might be excluded in court. When evidence is removed, the prosecutor’s case can fall apart, which leads to better outcomes for you.

Plea Bargains or Trial: Sometimes, the smartest move is to negotiate with prosecutors for a lesser charge or smaller fine. Other times, we tell you to go to trial and fight. We’re not afraid to stand up in court. That means we’ll do whatever it takes to get you the best possible result.

POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES THAT GO BEYOND FINES

Let’s be real: a financial penalty is only one piece of the puzzle. A criminal conviction that was placed on your record can destroy your career. That means you might lose the ability to do business with government agencies. A felony record also impacts your rights, and it can make future international travel more difficult.

On top of that, if your business is found guilty of major violations, you could face debarment. Debarment that was triggered by an export control or sanction violation means you lose the privilege of exporting goods entirely. That could kill your entire revenue stream overnight. For many businesses, losing export privileges is a death sentence.

FAQ QUICK-REFERENCE TABLE

These penalties might escalate if the agency that is investigating you finds evidence of deliberate wrongdoing. That means you can’t ignore these letters and notices. You have to act promptly. If you delay, you might lose the chance to defend yourself effectively.

WHY CHOOSE SPODEK LAW GROUP

24/7 RISK FREE CONSULTATION: When you call us, you can speak to an attorney any time. That means you can get immediate answers, rather than waiting in panic. We take these investigations seriously because your future is on the line.

TRACK RECORD OF RESULTS: Spodek Law Group has handled high-profile cases. We were involved in major federal matters, and we understand how to craft a defense that stands up to the toughest challenges. This law firm was built by Todd Spodek, who is a second-generation attorney with many years of experience.

NATIONWIDE CAPABILITY: We can help you no matter where you are in the USA. That means our attorneys can represent you even if you’re in California, Texas, New York, or anywhere else.

Now is not the time for excuses. You asked me for a strategy, and I’m giving you the cold hard truth: do something about your investigation. Waiting is a recipe for disaster. If you want to salvage your business, then step up and get a legal team that actually knows how to fight back.

CONTACT US TODAY

If your company is under investigation by BIS, CBP, DOS, or OFAC, call Spodek Law Group. We provide a risk free consultation to answer your questions. That means you have no reason to delay. There is a real threat here, and the consequences might ruin everything you’ve worked for if you don’t respond aggressively. Reach out right now, and let us start defending you.

DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational purposes only, and it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is unique, and the outcome depends on the specific facts at hand. We encourage you to seek legal advice from a qualified attorney before taking any action. Spodek Law Group is a nationwide federal defense law firm, but we may work with local counsel in certain jurisdictions. For more details, contact us directly.