U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission Announces $45 Million in Whistleblower Awards

$45 million. That’s how much the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)’s whistleblower program has given in awards to everyday individuals who came forward with crucial information, helping just this one branch of the U.S. government stop criminals from profiting from their illicit activity. As whistleblowers are eligible to receive between 10 to 30 percent of the monetary sanctions collected by the government, this means that the government collected at least $150 million from cases in which whistleblower tips were vital for a successful prosecution.

In announcing this significant achievement, James McDonald, Director of the CFTC’s Division of Enforcement noted that he “expect[s] this trend to continue as the Commission continues to receive increasing numbers of high-quality whistleblower tips.” As the lead official responsible for enforcing these laws, McDonald and the CFTC understands the value that whistleblowers bring to law enforcement.

Stephen M. Kohn, Executive Director of the National Whistleblower Center and an expert on whistleblower law, was delighted to hear this news. “This is a great day for whistleblowers. The CFTC’s program is coming alive and their Enforcement Division is recognizing the invaluable contributions that whistleblowers make to the public interest.”