Suspicious Activity Report (SAR)

Over the past few years, whistleblowers have become a driving force in uncovering financial misconduct in the U.S. Individuals may report illicit financial activity, including money laundering, sanctions evasion, fraud, and terrorist financing. One of the key tools in this process is the Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) — a confidential report filed with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).

In this article, we'll walk you through how the process works — from the legal framework and procedures involved, to the protections available for whistleblowers. Whether you're thinking about reporting something internally or bringing it directly to federal authorities, understanding your rights is the first step toward making a powerful impact.