Press Release  OIG Releases 2023 Annual Report

Boston, MA — Inspector General Jeffrey S. Shapiro today released the Office of the Inspector General’s (OIG) 2023 Annual Report, detailing investigations and reviews conducted over the past year and summarizing the office’s efforts to detect and prevent fraud, waste and abuse of public resources in the Commonwealth. The report covers IG Shapiro’s first full year as Inspector General.

The report, in both content and design, reflects IG Shapiro’s vision for a more engaged and proactive OIG. With a greater emphasis on education and training, as well as enhanced stakeholder outreach, the OIG is working to identify opportunities to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse while remaining committed to holding those who enrich themselves at the expense of the public accountable.

“While the OIG is required by statute to file this report with the Governor and Legislative leaders, I hope that other stakeholders and the public at large will read this report,” IG Shapiro said. “This document is more than just an annual report. It’s a way that the OIG is accountable to the public we serve.”

In 2023, the OIG:

• Recovered more than $1.7 million on behalf of the Commonwealth.
• Conducted investigations that resulted in five guilty pleas and six indictments.
• Issued seven reports, 13 public letters and 10 private letters regarding OIG investigations.
• Trained 2,112 individuals on Massachusetts procurement law, contract/vendor management, rules and best practices for use of federal ARPA funds, fraud prevention, and service on local boards and commissions.
• Provided Mass. Certified Public Purchasing Officer training to 109 communities at the OIG’s expense, including to 24 communities that previously had not had an employee with the designation. (Note: As of today, 156 communities have taken advantage of this offering.)
• Fielded over 1,200 requests for technical assistance related to public procurement.
• Received 2,130 complaints of suspected fraud, waste or abuse of public resources from the public.

The report also includes summaries of the OIG’s reviews of:

• Massachusetts State Police’s paid police detail system and outside employment policy.
• MBTA’s privatization of services contracts and outside employee activities.
• MassDOT’s lease management.
• Data quality management and fraud prevention at the Dept. of Transitional Assistance.
• Vendor management at the Dept. of Developmental Services and the Dept. of Mental Health.
• Contract management for the Department of Children & Families after-hours hotline.
• Veterans’ Homes management.

The report has been visually redesigned to enhance understanding of the scope of the OIG’s work and to engage more readers. “Many of the OIG’s cases originate from tips from public employees or concerned residents through one of our hotlines,” IG Shapiro said. “I want the public to understand the impact of these tips and to appreciate the efforts made on their behalf to protect public resources.”

“While I am honored to serve as Inspector General and to have the opportunity to set the strategic path for the agency, I am humbled to serve with a dedicated team of professionals committed to the finest ideals of public service,” IG Shapiro said.

If you suspect fraud, waste or abuse of public resources, please contact the OIG at 800-322-1323 or IGO-FightFraud@mass.gov.

If you suspect fraud, waste or abuse of public transportation funds, please contact the OIG’s Transportation Division at 855-963-2580 or MassDOTFraudHotline@mass.gov.

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