New DOJ Antitrust Division Program Offers Financial Incentives to Individuals to Become Whistleblowers

The United States Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division, in partnership with the United States Postal Service and the USPS Office of Inspector General, recently announced a new program that will likely lead to an increase in government antitrust investigations.  The Whistleblower Rewards Program provides financial incentives for “individuals who report antitrust crimes and related offenses that harm consumers, taxpayers, and free market competition across industries.”   

Key Takeaways:

• Whistleblowers who disclose information leading to successful prosecutions (including deferred prosecution or non-prosecution agreements) and fines of at least $1 million are eligible to receive a reward of up to 30% of recoveries.
• To be eligible for a reward, whistleblowers must voluntarily provide original information concerning certain criminal violations that affect the USPS, its revenues, or property.
• As a result of these new financial incentives for individuals to report antitrust violations directly to DOJ, companies should examine their current antitrust compliance policies, trainings, and investigation procedures, and determine whether any steps need to be taken to strengthen existing programs and internal reporting mechanisms.

Read the complete client alert.

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Kasowitz’s Antitrust Litigation practice represents both plaintiffs and defendants in civil cases and government enforcement proceedings involving allegations of price-fixing, bid-rigging, tying, exclusive dealing, conspiracies, attempts to monopolize, and monopolization.  The firm’s antitrust experience spans a wide range of industries, including automotive, shipping, chemicals, agricultural and processed foods, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, and publishing.

For more information, please contact:

Sarah Gibbs Leivick
Partner
sleivick@kasowitz.com   

Haylei John
Associate
hjohn@kasowitz.com