Office of the United States Trustee
Oversight and Enforcement of Bankruptcy Rules
The United States Trustee Program is part of the U.S. Department of Justice and is charged with monitoring the bankruptcy system.
"The mission of the United States Trustee Program is to promote the integrity and efficiency of the bankruptcy system for the benefit of all stakeholders – debtors, creditors, and the public." (from the U.S. Trustee Program's Mission Statement)
The U.S. Trustee appoints and supervises private bankruptcy trustees in cases filed under Chapters 7, 12, and 13 of the Bankruptcy Code.
The U.S. Trustee's Office reviews bankruptcy cases to enforce compliance with the Bankruptcy Code. It is a fraud watchdog and has the authority to refer matters for investigation and criminal prosecution. In a recent report to Congress, the U.S. Trustee Program disclosed that it made 2,257 referrals for criminal enforcement regarding alleged bankruptcy fraud and related crimes.
