Qui Tam Wreckage Cases

Although it may not be one of the most well-known uses of qui tam law, the American legal code allows for qui tam lawsuits to protect treasures found off of the national coasts in the state of Florida. These cases occur when a foreign or American vessel takes property from wreckage on the coast of Florida to a foreign port.

For more information about how your case could help to protect property that belongs to the United States and assist the United States Coast Guard with its daily operations, contact the qui tam attorneys of Tycko & Zavareei, LLP, by calling 202-973-0900.

Penalties for Wreckage Theft

This federal law is meant to protect American property along a major coastal area. For vessels traveling between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, Florida holds some of the most important ports. As these waters are relatively open to Caribbean nations, American lawmakers use qui tam proceedings to protect what is rightfully considered American property in the waters around this heavily-traveled region.

If an individual is found to be removing wreckage property to a foreign port, the following may be seized by the federal government:

• The ship
• Gear or related property on the ship
• Any funds or property gained from the violation

As with other qui tam cases, this property can then be shared between the government and the qui tam relator if the defendant is found guilty.

Contact Us

Property that rightfully belongs to Americans, whether wreckage or other property found on the coastline, is protected under U.S. law. In the case of wreckage found off the Florida coast, the government uses the qui tam model to settle cases. As a whistleblower, you could be aiding the U.S. Coast Guard in protecting and patrolling national shores. If you have information that could help this branch of the armed forces, contact the qui tam lawyers of Tycko & Zavareei, LLP, at 202-973-0900.