The Department of Justice (DOJ) Whistleblower Program allows individuals to report fraud, corruption, or other misconduct related to federal programs and contracts. Whistleblowers play a crucial role in identifying and exposing illegal activities that harm taxpayers and undermine government integrity.
Any individual with original, credible, and substantial information about wrongdoing can be a whistleblower. Common violations include:
Government contract fraud
Bribery and corruption
Antitrust violations
Financial fraud involving federal funds
Civil rights violations
The DOJ Whistleblower Program provides:
Monetary Awards – Whistleblowers may receive a percentage of recovered funds if their information leads to a successful enforcement action.
Confidentiality – The DOJ takes measures to protect whistleblower identities when possible.
Retaliation Protections – Federal laws protect whistleblowers from retaliation, such as wrongful termination, harassment, or discrimination.
Gather Evidence – Collect relevant documents, emails, or other materials that support the claim.
Consult an Attorney – Seek legal counsel experienced in whistleblower laws to assess your case and guide you through the process.
Submit a Report – File a whistleblower complaint with the appropriate DOJ division, such as the Civil Division or Antitrust Division.
DOJ Investigation – The department reviews the claim and determines whether to pursue enforcement actions.
Potential Settlement or Litigation – If the DOJ proceeds with the case, it may result in financial penalties, settlements, or criminal charges.
Whistleblower Reward Determination – If applicable, the whistleblower may receive a financial award based on the case outcome.