Which OIG component conducts investigations of fraud and misconduct related to the Department's programs, operations, and beneficiaries?

• A. Office of Investigations
• B. Office of Inspector General
• C. Office of Audit Services
• D. Office of Counsel to the Inspector General

Answer: (A)

The investigations arm of an Inspector General is responsible for pursuing allegations of fraud, waste, and abuse related to a department’s programs, operations, and beneficiaries. This is the work of the Office of Investigations, which focuses on gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and pursuing criminal or administrative actions when misconduct is found.

In contrast, the Office of Audit Services conducts independent audits to evaluate program performance and compliance, not investigative work into specific allegations. The Office of Counsel to the Inspector General provides legal advice and support, while the Office of Inspector General is the overarching office, not the specific investigative unit. So, the component that matches the description is the Office of Investigations.