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ARTICLE · 09 FEBRUARY 2026

DOJ Antitrust Division Announces First-Ever Whistleblower Payment

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On January 29, 2026, the Department of Justice Antitrust Division and the US Postal Service (USPS) made their first payment under the new whistleblower program launched just last year.

United StatesAntitrust/Competition Law
Ryan Danks
Ryan Danks
Thomas Mueller
Thomas Mueller
Nana Wilberforce
Nana Wilberforce
John W. O'Toole
John W. O'Toole
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On January 29, 2026, the Department of Justice Antitrust Division and the US Postal Service (USPS) made their first payment under the new whistleblower program launched just last year.1The programoffers payments to individuals who voluntarily report potential criminal antitrust law violations to DOJ.2As this development shows, the program provides DOJ another effective tool for identifying illegal collusion. The payment is also another reminder to companies about the importance of antitrust compliance.

Background on the Whistleblower Program

In 2025, DOJ and USPS announced a partnership for a whistleblower program to incentivize reporting of potential criminal antitrust violations.3People can obtain payments for reporting criminal violations of the Sherman Act, federal offenses that relate to procurement, or violations of laws against obstruction of a federal competition investigation or proceeding.4The violation must also be postal-related.5That requirement is

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