Whistleblowers play a critical role in exposing corruption and illegal activities. Despite the risks to their personal and professional lives, individuals with information about corporate wrongdoing regularly step forward to report crimes that might otherwise remain undetected.

Studies highlight the significant impact of whistleblowers, with a 2007 PricewaterhouseCoopers study revealing that whistleblowers detected and exposed 43% of fraudulent activities at private corporations, surpassing the 19% detected by professional auditors.

Whistleblower Protection Laws

To ensure the effectiveness of whistleblowers, robust legal frameworks with protections and incentives are essential. The United States, with its strong whistleblower protection laws, leads in influencing these key protections. U.S. laws, such as the False Claims Act and the Dodd-Frank Act, have proven instrumental in recovering significant funds for the government and encouraging whistleblowers to expose wrongdoing. In Fiscal Year 2020 alone, whistleblower-initiated cases brought in over $1.6 billion in False Claims Act settlements.

Whistleblowing Makes a Difference

Whistleblowing works, as evidenced by high profile cases, where whistleblowers played a pivotal role in uncovering misconduct and fostering accountability. Take the case of  the 2018 Danske Bank money laundering scandal. The scheme went unnoticed until a British whistleblower, relying on U.S. Law,  confidentially disclosed concerns of a $235 billion being laundered in one of the Bank’s branches.Thanks to his efforts, the bank became the subject of investigations from the SEC, IRS, and U.S. Department of Justice, as well as European authorities. In December 2022, Danske Bank pled guilty and agreed to a $2 billion fine in a case from the U.S. Department of Justice. This case exemplifies the power whistleblowers hold in bringing wrongdoers to justice and holding them accountable for their actions.

In the pursuit of justice and accountability, whistleblowers emerge as unsung heroes, bravely stepping forward to uncover corruption and illegal activities that would otherwise go unnoticed. If you find yourself possessing information about corporate wrongdoing, consider the vital role you could play in upholding integrity and fostering change. The Kardell Law Group is here to support and guide you through the complexities of whistleblower protection laws. Our experienced team understands the challenges whistleblowers face and is dedicated to ensuring your rights are safeguarded. Contact us today.