Press Release: 5/1/2025

OIG Releases 2024 Annual Report

 



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:



4/30/2025



MEDIA CONTACT



Carrie Kimball, Communications Officer



 Phone



Call Carrie Kimball, Communications Officer at 617-722-8894



 Online



Email Carrie Kimball, Communications Officer at carrie.c.kimball@mass.gov



BOSTON, MA — Inspector General Jeffrey S. Shapiro today released the Office of the Inspector General’s (OIG) 2024 Annual Report, summarizing the office’s work to prevent and detect fraud, waste, and abuse of public resources on the state and municipal level across the Commonwealth.



In 2024, IG Shapiro continued his focus on proactive engagement and education to bolster the OIG’s prevention efforts.  He continued to meet with municipal leaders, agency heads and other stakeholders to gain a better understanding of what is and is not working on the municipal and state levels.  Under his leadership the OIG Academy expanded its course offerings and implemented new technologies to enhance the Academy’s educational and outreach capabilities.



Other highlights include:




  • Completion of the investigation into the Commonwealth’s 20+ year lease of the Star Store in New Bedford

  • An investigation into post-retiree earnings which found a stunning lack of oversight

  • Calls for reforms in the Cannabis Control Commission’s governance structure

  • Passage of legislation to streamline the procurement process for electric vehicles and their associated charging infrastructure.



“I am humbled to lead a team of 90 dedicated public servants who embody the ideals that the Ward Commission envisioned when it recommended, several decades ago, that the Massachusetts Legislature create an independent government oversight entity,” IG Shapiro said.  “The OIG has grown and evolved significantly since its establishment in 1980 and remains a leader and example for the rest of the country.”



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.