Earlier this year, Deputy AG Lisa Monaco announced that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) was launching a pilot program that would financially reward whistleblowers who report significant corporate misconduct. The Pilot Program is aimed to incentivize the reporting of misconduct in areas that have not historically been covered under existing federal whistleblower programs.

Now, that pilot program has officially launched.

Pilot Program Builds on Enforcement

The new pilot program builds on currently existing corruption enforcement mechanisms. Those mechanisms, although certainly successful in uncovering corporate criminal schemes, advancing criminal investigations, and prosecuting the most culpable individuals and entities, still contained gaps.

With the new pilot program, DOJ aims to fill those gaps. This will allow for the agency to combat the most sophisticated criminal actors and organizations to deprive criminals of the proceeds of illegal activity, ultimately deterring crime and fraud, and also restoring assets to victims.

Eligibility for a Reward Under the Pilot Program

To be eligible for the award, the information a whistleblower submits must relate to one or more of the following areas:

1. Crimes involving financial institutions, from traditional banks to cryptocurrency businesses
2. Foreign corruption involving misconduct by companies
3. Domestic corruption involving misconduct by companies
4. Health care fraud schemes involving private insurance plans

The Role of Whistleblowers

Under the new program, a whistleblower who provides the Criminal Division with original and truthful information about corporate misconduct that results in a successful prosecution that includes criminal or civil forfeiture may be eligible for an award of a percentage of the forfeited assets. Whistleblowers can be anyone with inside knowledge of an entity who might be engaging in misconduct.

Why a Whistleblower Attorney is Important

The process of reporting fraud against the government is complex and can be difficult to navigate. An experienced whistleblower attorney can assist in the process and will consider all of the relevant legal issues to determine if a case can be successful. Attorneys will also ensure the rights of the whistleblower are protected.

Baron & Budd Whistleblower Attorneys

Baron & Budd’s whistleblower representation team has more than 40 years of experience representing dozens of clients in government fraud cases. They have returned more than $6 billion to federal and state agencies with whistleblower recovery shares as high as 50%.

For more information, see What You Need to Know About Becoming a Whistleblower.