Wiley Achieves $12.4 million FCA Settlement in High-Stakes Customs Duty Evasion Case

September 2, 2025

Washington, DC – Wiley has helped secure a $12.4 million False Claims Act (FCA) settlement for whistleblower Melinda Hemphill in a multi-year customs duty evasion case involving Allied Stone Inc. and its president, Jia “Jerry” Lim.

The settlement resolves allegations that the company and Lim engaged in a scheme to evade antidumping and countervailing duties (AD/CVD) on quartz surface products imported from China. It requires Allied Stone and Lim to collectively pay $12.4 million, including restitution and a whistleblower share for Hemphill, as well as attorneys’ fees. The resolution follows a coordinated investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

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Led by Litigation partner Stephen J. Obermeier, Wiley’s representation reflects the firm’s leading capabilities in FCA litigation, international trade enforcement, and whistleblower advocacy. The team navigated complex trade and customs issues to deliver a high-impact result with national enforcement implications.