The Justice Department’s Antitrust Division has announced a new initiative called the Whistleblower Rewards Program, aimed at encouraging individuals to report antitrust crimes and related offenses. This program is a collaboration with the United States Postal Service and marks the first time the Antitrust Division will offer financial rewards for whistleblowers who provide information about illegal activities that undermine free market competition.

Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater emphasized the importance of this program, stating that antitrust crimes often occur in secrecy, making them difficult to detect. The initiative is designed to create a new channel for leads from individuals who have firsthand knowledge of such offenses, thereby enhancing the Division's ability to hold violators accountable.

Chief Postal Inspector Gary Barksdale highlighted the role of the Postal Inspection Service in maintaining the integrity of the Postal Service and expressed a commitment to investigating and prosecuting those who violate antitrust laws. The program aims to empower individuals to report antitrust crimes without fear of retaliation.

The U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General (USPS OIG) is also a key partner in this initiative, collaborating with federal agencies to detect and prosecute antitrust crimes. The program offers substantial monetary rewards, potentially up to 30% of any criminal fines recovered, for credible reports of violations affecting the Postal Service.

To facilitate the reporting process, the Antitrust Division has created a dedicated webpage for the Whistleblower Rewards Program, encouraging whistleblowers and their legal counsel to come forward with information promptly.