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ARTICLE · 05 FEBRUARY 2026

DOJ Announces First-Ever Antitrust Whistleblower Award — Is Your Compliance Program Ready?

Foley & Lardner LLP
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On January 29, 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice's Antitrust Division announced its first reward under the Division's new whistleblower program...

United StatesAntitrust/Competition Law
Mark C. Grundvig
Mark C. Grundvig
Michelle A. Freeman
Michelle A. Freeman
Cassandra M. Klosterman Aubert
Cassandra M. Klosterman Aubert
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On January 29, 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice's Antitrust Division announced its first reward under the Division's new whistleblower program, awarding $1 million to a whistleblower whose report helped uncover a bid‑rigging and fraud scheme involving EBLOCK Corporation, an online platform for buying and selling wholesale vehicles. The award represents nearly 30 percent of the $3.28 million criminal fine EBLOCK agreed to pay as part of a deferred prosecution agreement.

Deputy Assistant Attorney General Omeed A. Assefi underscored the importance of this new program, stating: "Whistleblowers serve as the Justice System's greatest disinfectant against criminal antitrust conspiracies."

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