Assistant Inspector General for Investigations

Silas Darden was appointed the Assistant Inspector General for Investigations in April 2026. In this capacity, Mr. Darden serves as the principal executive in charge of the Office of Investigations, overseeing criminal and civil investigations involving fraud, waste, and abuse at the Department of Veterans Affairs. He is responsible for managing a directorate of special agents, analysts, forensic accountants, and other professionals assigned to offices nationwide.

Mr. Darden previously served as Associate Director for Investigations at the US Marshals Service, leading the agency’s regional fugitive task forces, and global investigative and intelligence missions. Throughout his career, he has overseen criminal and civil enforcement initiatives, and partnered with local, state, and federal stakeholders on public safety priorities. Other notable executive assignments include Associate Deputy Director of the US Marshals Service, Deputy Associate Attorney General, and Deputy Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance.

Mr. Darden serves as a colonel in the Air Force Reserve, with over 25 years of experience in positions ranging from intelligence to cyberspace operations. He holds a juris doctor, and graduate degrees in management, management information systems, and leadership and counseling.