HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday this week released a wide-ranging summary of his office’s 2025 enforcement activity, pointing to major firearm recoveries, massive fentanyl seizures, expanded treatment initiatives, and a sharp rise in financial scams targeting residents statewide.
In his first year as the Commonwealth’s top law enforcement official, Sunday said the Office of Attorney General confronted evolving criminal threats while expanding efforts to protect children, seniors, and vulnerable populations.
“This first year as your Attorney General was full of unique challenges and achievements, including progress in defending Pennsylvanians from modern-day threats, such as artificial intelligence and online environments that expose our children and older residents to physical, mental, and financial harm,” Sunday said. “Technology and criminal methods are advancing quickly, but our great team embraces the hard work that comes with protecting people, families, and their assets.”
According to the office, Attorney General-led Gun Violence Task Forces recovered 539 illegal firearms during 2025. Many of the weapons were trafficked unlawfully, lacked serial numbers, or were possessed by individuals prohibited from owning firearms, including convicted felons. Investigators also identified numerous weapons modified with illegal machine gun conversion switches.
The Bureau of Narcotics Investigation reported the seizure of more than 56 million fentanyl doses, along with nearly 100,000 fentanyl pills, during drug trafficking investigations. Authorities estimated the combined street value of the fentanyl seizures at approximately $58 million.
Sunday also highlighted an expansion of the Law Enforcement Treatment Initiative, which offers non-violent offenders with substance use disorders an alternative to incarceration. The program was broadened to include mental health resources, with several counties adopting the expanded model and additional counties expected to follow.
In health care enforcement, the Medicaid Fraud Control Section secured convictions against 120 defendants charged with fraud, abuse, criminal waste, and exploitation involving care-dependent adults. Those cases resulted in more than $40 million in court-ordered restitution. The section is currently managing about 550 active cases and investigations.
The Organized Retail Crime Unit, completing its first full year, launched more than 100 investigations into large-scale theft and fraud operations that officials say contribute to higher consumer prices. The unit worked cases in 52 counties across Pennsylvania.
Consumer fraud remained a growing concern. The Bureau of Consumer Protection’s Scam Team handled more than 4,000 complaints, with reported losses exceeding $76 million — a significant increase from the prior year. Phishing scams and government imposter schemes topped the list, with victims most often losing money through wire transfers and cryptocurrency payments.
To address crimes against older residents, Sunday announced the creation of an Elder Exploitation Section in November. The unit focuses on financial exploitation, deception, and theft, frequently involving relatives, caregivers, or individuals holding power of attorney.
The Office of Public Engagement also expanded its educational outreach, conducting more than 1,300 presentations reaching over 125,000 Pennsylvanians in all 67 counties. Topics included scam prevention, online safety, bullying, and drug awareness, with additional resources available through the office’s website.
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