SDNY Launches Whistleblower Pilot Program in 2024 to Uncover Criminal Conduct

In an effort to proactively identify and address criminal conduct within the Southern District of New York (SDNY), U.S. Attorney Damian Williams has announced the initiation of the Whistleblower Pilot Program for 2024. The program aims to encourage the early and voluntary disclosure of criminal conduct by individuals involved in certain non-violent offenses. Williams outlined the details of the program and its potential impact on the District's enforcement efforts.

Williams began by reaffirming the three primary priorities set forth at the commencement of his tenure in 2021 – combating violent crime, rooting out corruption in financial markets, and advancing civil rights enforcement. To address evolving challenges, SDNY is expanding its focus in 2024 to include two additional priorities: tackling the fentanyl epidemic and combating public corruption.

1. Fighting the Fentanyl Epidemic

Recognizing the profound impact of the fentanyl epidemic on communities, Williams emphasized SDNY's commitment to comprehensively address the issue. The District has previously taken groundbreaking actions against the leadership of the Sinaloa cartel and Chinese precursor chemical companies contributing to the crisis. Williams pledged continued efforts to combat the epidemic from its roots to its branches.

2. The Fight Against Public Corruption

SDNY has a longstanding tradition of pursuing complex public corruption cases, particularly in financial markets. Williams stressed the need to extend these efforts to cleanse politics and public institutions within the District. In 2024, the District will intensify its focus on public corruption cases, maintaining a non-partisan approach and upholding its commitment to unbiased justice.

SDNY Whistleblower Pilot Program

Key Features:

1. Encouraging Self-Disclosure: The program encourages individuals involved in certain non-violent offenses to voluntarily and promptly disclose their criminal conduct.
2. Cooperation Incentives: Participants who disclose and cooperate against others involved in the criminal conduct may enter into a non-prosecution agreement, provided specific conditions are met.
3. Non-Prosecution Agreement Conditions: Conditions for non-prosecution include early and voluntary self-disclosure, cooperation against other offenders, and crucially, the Government's prior unawareness of the disclosed criminal conduct.
4. Incentivizing Timely Information: By providing clarity on the requirements and benefits of self-disclosure, SDNY aims to incentivize individuals and their legal representatives to provide actionable and timely information.

Williams expressed optimism that the Whistleblower Pilot Program would enhance the District's effectiveness, shedding light on more misconduct and better protecting the communities served by SDNY. He encouraged those eligible for the program to embrace the opportunity to cooperate, come clean, and align themselves with the law. The Whistleblower Pilot Program underscores SDNY's commitment to innovative approaches in law enforcement.

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