New DOJ Antitrust Postal Whistleblower Rewards Program: A Look Under The Shiny Hood

On Tuesday, July 8, the DOJ Antitrust Division announced a first-of-its-kind Antitrust Whistleblower Rewards Program (the "Program"). But the Program's fine print suggests it may not be as lucrative for whistleblowers as it appears at first blush.

The Program's press release explains rewards may be paid to certain whistleblowers who provide original information about antitrust offenses that result in criminal fines or other recoveries of at least $1 million. The DOJ will partner with the United States Postal Inspection Service ("USPIS") and the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General ("USPS OIG") to implement the program and pay the rewards. A reward could amount to 15-to-30% of the amount of the criminal fine or recovery, which could be substantial in some antitrust cases.