Beginning August 1, 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) launched The Corporate Whistleblower Awards Pilot Program.
According to the DOJ’s Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, “This program is a significant initiative that sends a clear message to individuals who know about corporate misconduct: Our tip line is open, so if you see something, say something.”
What this means for corporate employees, leaders, and stakeholders is that more whistleblowers are coming forward, and the DOJ has more opportunities to initiate investigations and prosecutions. This surge in whistleblower reports can lead to increased criminal cases being brought to court.
At Trombley & Hanes, P.A., our defense attorneys in Tampa know that financial incentives may encourage individuals to report false or exaggerated claims in hopes of receiving a reward. This can lead to unwarranted investigations and legal actions against innocent parties. In some cases, individuals may exploit whistleblower incentives for personal gain, using them to settle personal vendettas or grievances against their employers or colleagues. As the pilot program is in its infancy, incentivizing whistleblowing must be weighed against the potential negative impacts.
Since 1977, our criminal defense law firm has adapted our legal strategies to effectively counter the advantages of whistleblower testimonies to the prosecution. By doing so, we can better protect our clients’ rights and seek the most favorable outcomes in these high-stakes cases.
We have provided full-service state and federal legal defense strategies for individuals and businesses in Florida and throughout the U.S. using over 110 combined years of experience. Our Hillsborough County criminal defense attorneys bring a unique perspective to all white-collar crime cases, with decades of combined experience at both state and federal levels. Our team includes a former Assistant United States Attorney, an Assistant Hillsborough County State Attorney, and an Assistant Pinellas County State Attorney.
This diverse background allows us to view your case from both sides of the courtroom, providing a significant legal advantage you can trust.
Which Areas is the DOJ Targeting with The Corporate Whistleblower Awards Pilot Program?
Through the Pilot Program, the DOJ is incentivizing individuals to come forward and report corporate crime, targeting a broad range of areas, including corporate fraud, healthcare fraud, financial crimes—including a dedicated focus on cryptocurrency fraud—environmental violations, FCPA violations, antitrust violations, False Claims Act violations, securities violations, consumer protection violations, and cybersecurity violations.
The whistleblower program also targets two areas where authorities are expanding their corporate enforcement efforts: corrupt conduct in the United States—such as when a company bribes a government official to win a contract—and healthcare fraud involving private insurers.
The new program incentivizing whistleblowing will undoubtedly bring thousands of leads to the DOJ, all of which must be investigated to determine whether they are true-which will inherently put more people than legally necessary under a microscope. If you or your company are under investigation, do not speak with state or federal authorities without an attorney.
You have the right to remain silent and to speak with an attorney. Invoke both and contact our trusted criminal defense lawyers in Florida, who have been producing actual results for real people for more than 110 combined years.
