Quarterly Cartel Catch-Up – New Year, Continued Focus: DOJ Antitrust Division Reinforces Criminal Enforcement Priorities Amid Leadership Transition, While Targets Expand Globally

As 2026 unfolds, the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Antitrust Division (Division) is entering a period of transition marked by leadership changes and a recalibration of enforcement priorities. Following the departure of Assistant Attorney General Gail Slater, new leadership—now led by Acting Assistant Attorney General Omeed Assefi, the former Deputy Assistant Attorney General for Criminal Enforcement—has signaled a renewed emphasis on criminal enforcement.... By: Morrison & Foerster LLP