Backlog in drug-fraud cases is said to top 900

More than 900 cases alleging that government contractors and drug makers have defrauded taxpayers are languishing in a backlog that has built up over the last decade because the Justice Department cannot keep pace with the charges brought by whistle-blowers, according to lawyers involved in the disputes.

Many of the cases involve the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, rising healthcare payouts, and privatization of government functions -- all of which offer rich new opportunities to swindle taxpayers. Disputes can stay buried for years while the government investigates the allegations.

“Even if no new cases are filed, it might take 10 years for the Department of Justice to clear its desk,” said Patrick Burns, a spokesman for Taxpayers Against Fraud.