DOJ Antitrust Division Rewards Whistleblowers: What You Need to Know

The DOJ's Antitrust Division is offering up to 30% of criminal fines (over $1 million) to whistleblowers reporting antitrust violations affecting the U.S. Postal Service (USPS).

The program covers violations of the Sherman Act, offenses affecting public procurement, and actions targeting federal competition investigations.

Compliance personnel may be eligible for rewards if they report violations to the company's audit committee, chief legal officer, or supervisor and wait 120 days before reporting to the DOJ.

This initiative aligns with global trends in competition law, emphasizing proactive detection and leveraging informants.

Eligibility: Whistleblowers must voluntarily report original information that is timely, specific, and credible, leading to criminal fines of at least $1 million.

Reward Amount: Successful whistleblowers may receive between 15% and 30% of the criminal fine or recovery value.

Protection: The program aims to incentivize individuals and companies to report collusive behavior without fear of reprisal.

Compliance Considerations: Companies should enhance their antitrust compliance training, establish internal reporting systems, and maintain anti-retaliation policies to mitigate risks.

Q: Who is eligible for a whistleblower reward?

Q: How much can a whistleblower receive?

Q: What types of violations are covered?

The DOJ's new Whistleblower Rewards Program incentivizes reporting of antitrust violations, potentially increasing scrutiny on companies.

Companies should strengthen their compliance programs, including internal controls and procurement practices.

Employees and compliance personnel have a greater incentive to report suspected violations directly to the DOJ.