At a recent white-collar crime conference, Department of Justice officials announced a 90-day sprint to launch a corporate whistleblower program to reward individuals who report corporate crimes. The DOJ program is the latest in a string of government whistleblowing initiatives. Designed to fill gaps in other programs, it sets up a whistleblower race to the government’s doorstep that should profoundly impact the investigation and prosecution of corporate crime. Separately, the DOJ launched a Pilot Program on Voluntary Self-Disclosures for Individuals, which allows participants in certain types of criminal conduct to blow the whistle for themselves in exchange for non-prosecution agreement if they meet certain conditions.
Whistleblowing has long transcended being a compliance issue; it’s a business issue. Failure to recognize the gravity of the issue can be costly to an organization’s reputation and, ultimately, the bottom line. This article for Forbes shares details about the pilot program, and who stands to benefit in the race to first disclosure. Yet, this race also introduces complexities, forcing companies to navigate the delicate balance between internal investigations, whistleblower concerns and the imperative for early remediation. In this evolving landscape, proactive measures and strategic decisions will shape the contours of corporate governance and compliance for years to come. How will your business prepare?
Read the full article in Forbes.
If you have any questions or would like to find out more about this topic please reach out to Jonny Frank.
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