STATEMENT: TAF Coalition Commends DOJ’s New Antitrust Whistleblower Rewards Program
Washington, DC — The Anti-Fraud Coalition (TAF Coalition) applauds the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Antitrust Division for launching its inaugural Whistleblower Rewards Program, aimed at incentivizing individuals to report antitrust violations and related offenses that harm consumers and undermine free market competition.
“This initiative marks a significant step forward in empowering whistleblowers to expose antitrust crimes operating in secrecy,” said Jacklyn DeMar, President and CEO of TAF Coalition. “By offering financial rewards, the DOJ is sending a clear message: those who come forward to report wrongdoing will be supported and recognized.”
Enhancing Detection of Antitrust Violations
The DOJ’s program, developed in partnership with the United States Postal Service, is designed to uncover antitrust crimes such as price-fixing and bid-rigging that negatively impact various industries, including healthcare and agriculture. By providing monetary incentives, the program aims to break down barriers of silence and encourage insiders to share critical information that can lead to successful prosecutions.
“This program raises the stakes: If you’re fixing prices or rigging bids, don’t assume your scheme is safe — we will find and prosecute you, and someone you know may get a reward for helping us do it,” stated Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater of the Antitrust Division.
A Complement to Existing Whistleblower Protections
TAF Coalition recognizes this program as a valuable complement to existing whistleblower protections and rewards mechanisms. By specifically targeting antitrust violations, the DOJ is filling a critical gap and reinforcing its commitment to maintaining fair competition and protecting consumers.
“Whistleblowers have long been instrumental in exposing fraud and misconduct,” added DeMar. “This new program offers a unique avenue for them to come forward and expose conduct harming consumers nationwide.”
For more information on this topic, please contact James King, Director of Communications & Digital at [email protected].
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