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FinCEN launches webpage to accept confidential whistleblower tips on fraud, money laundering, and sanctions violations

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Key takeaways

  • FinCEN launched a dedicated webpage (https://www.fincen.gov/whistleblower/) to accept confidential whistleblower tips on fraud, money laundering, and sanctions violations.
  • Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said eligible whistleblowers may receive financial rewards if their tips lead to successful enforcement actions.
  • The announcement followed Treasury initiatives in Minnesota, including investigations of Money Services Businesses and an IRS fraud task force targeting misuse by 501(c)(3) entities.
  • FinCEN’s Office of the Whistleblower will accept tips related to the Bank Secrecy Act, U.S. sanctions programs, and other laws tied to protecting the U.S. financial system and national security.
  • Whistleblowers are urged to submit detailed, specific documentation to support their claims and to do so as soon as possible.

Follow Up Questions

How do I submit a tip to FinCEN's whistleblower webpage — what formats and documents are accepted?Expand

Use the FinCEN Whistleblower webpage (https://www.fincen.gov/whistleblower/) and the “Submit a Tip” page (https://www.fincen.gov/whistleblower-program/submitting-a-tip). FinCEN asks submitters to provide as much supporting documentation as possible (names, dates, account numbers, transaction records, emails, contracts, spreadsheets, screenshots, SARs or other bank records, etc.) and to submit promptly. The public pages do not list a strict upload file-type list; if you need to file anonymously or seek award eligibility, consider submitting through counsel and include documents in common formats (PDF, Excel, images, email printouts) per the guidance to provide specific, documentary evidence.

Who is eligible to receive a financial award and how is the award amount determined?Expand

Who may get an award: any individual (or joint individuals) who voluntarily provides ‘original information’ that leads to a successful enforcement action under the covered statutes may be eligible. Awards range from not less than 10% and not more than 30% of collected monetary sanctions from the covered action; the Secretary of the Treasury has discretion to determine the exact percentage and will consider factors such as significance of the information and degree of assistance.

What enforcement outcomes qualify a tip as "successful" for purposes of awarding a whistleblower?Expand

A tip qualifies as leading to a “successful” enforcement action if the original information the whistleblower provided led to a covered judicial or administrative action (by Treasury or DOJ) that resulted in collected monetary sanctions exceeding $1,000,000. The statute and FinCEN’s program materials define covered actions, monetary sanctions, and the $1,000,000 threshold.

What confidentiality and legal protections (including against retaliation) does FinCEN provide to whistleblowers?Expand

FinCEN protects confidentiality: the statute bars Treasury/DOJ employees from disclosing information that could reasonably reveal a whistleblower’s identity except in narrow circumstances (e.g., required disclosure to defendants in litigation, sharing with other government authorities that agree to maintain confidentiality, or grand-jury processes). Anti‑retaliation protections allow whistleblowers to file a complaint with the Department of Labor or sue in federal court and provide remedies (reinstatement, double back pay, fees, other relief). Anonymous submissions are permitted; anonymous award claimants must use counsel and will need to disclose identity before payment.

Which specific violations fall under the Bank Secrecy Act and FinCEN's whistleblower jurisdiction?Expand

FinCEN’s whistleblower jurisdiction covers violations of the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and its implementing regulations, and violations of IEEPA, the Trading with the Enemy Act (TWEA), and the Kingpin Act (including conspiracies to violate those laws). Covered misconduct includes money‑laundering, BSA reporting/recordkeeping breaches, and U.S. economic‑sanctions violations that threaten the financial system.

How will FinCEN coordinate tips with the IRS fraud task force, OFAC, DOJ, or other agencies?Expand

FinCEN shares whistleblower submissions with Treasury and DOJ offices that enforce the covered statutes (e.g., Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, DOJ Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section, and other DOJ components). The FinCEN program page says FinCEN will make information available, in the discretion of the Secretary/Attorney General, to appropriate federal authorities, state attorneys general, state regulators, and foreign law‑enforcement authorities if necessary — with confidentiality protections and required assurances for foreign authorities.

Are tips about cross-border or foreign-based sanctions evasion eligible, and how are international cases handled?Expand

Yes. Tips about cross‑border or foreign‑based sanctions evasion are within scope if they relate to violations of IEEPA, TWEA, the Kingpin Act or the BSA. FinCEN’s statute and guidance permit sharing information with foreign law‑enforcement authorities, provided FinCEN/DOJ determine the foreign authority will maintain confidentiality (or receive appropriate assurances). International cases may be coordinated with OFAC, DOJ, other U.S. agencies, and foreign partners as needed.

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