Article by the Forensic and Investigation Services
Department
Many European countries, together with the United States, have
legal regulations governing an employee's right to file
evidence of illegal or unethical behaviour that has come to the
employee's attention as a result of his employment. To ensure
that the employee does not fear reprisals, he is protected by
whistleblower legislation. The Federal Republic of Germany intended
to introduce such regulation in a new Section of the German Civil
Code (Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch), however the Federal Government
postponed it, and with it, an opportunity in the fight against
fraud.
What is a whistleblower? A whistleblower is a person who alleges
misconduct, such as corruption. Usually, he or she acts out of
conscience and contrary to widespread opinion, is loyal, motivated
to protect the employer, and in so doing prevent risks such as the
loss of jobs. However the act is often seen as one of treachery and
the
