On January 29, 2026, the Department of Justice Antitrust Division and the US Postal Service (USPS) made their first payment under the new whistleblower program launched just last year.1 The program offers payments to individuals who voluntarily report potential criminal antitrust law violations to DOJ.2 As this development shows, the program provides DOJ another effective tool for identifying illegal collusion. The payment is also another reminder to companies about the importance of antitrust compliance.
Background on the Whistleblower Program
In 2025, DOJ and USPS announced a partnership for a whistleblower program to incentivize reporting of potential criminal antitrust violations.3 People can obtain payments for reporting criminal violations of the Sherman Act, federal offenses that relate to procurement, or violations of laws against obstruction of a federal competition investigation or proceeding.4 The violation must also be postal-related.5 That requirement is not well-defined but requires that USPS Inspector Services identify a specific and credible harm to the USPS, though the harm need not be substantial or material.6
A whistleblower must voluntarily provide new and original information of a potentially criminal antitrust violation to qualify for a payment.7 The alleged violation must result in a criminal fine or recovery of at least $1 million.8 Whistleblowers whose information leads to a successful enforcement action may receive up to 30% of the criminal fine.9...
The federal government accused the medical providers of performing medically unnecessary procedures. PHOENIX — A physicians group in Phoenix has agreed to pay over $4 million to resolve allegations...