It is not uncommon for contractors or other businesses who deal with the United States government to also have operations overseas. When these foreign businesses misuse government resources or attempt to defraud taxpayers, the efforts to investigate and prosecute these offenses are often lacking. The federal government does not have the necessary resources to police these companies on its own.

To fight back against fraud, the United States offers whistleblowers the opportunity to recover a monetary award in exchange for information that leads to a conviction. With the help of a Columbia international whistleblower lawyer, you could be entitled to compensation for your inside knowledge. Let a skilled whistleblower attorney review your information and advise you of your options.

Understanding International Fraud

The United States has a global presence, supported by a number of foreign businesses, from government agencies to military bases. These companies provide goods and services necessary for the federal government to operate on the world stage. Unfortunately, some of these transactions are fraudulent.

Language barriers can make it difficult to police potential acts of fraud. Individuals living in foreign countries might also fear retribution from the local government for involving themselves in an investigation.

The good news is that whistleblowers may be entitled to a financial reward for their assistance. A Columbia international whistleblower attorney could answer any questions about what this process looks like.

The False Claims Act

The False Claims Act is the primary tool for combating fraud. Under this federal law, private individuals can earn compensation by providing information related to government fraud through a legal action known as a writ of Qui Tam.

Individuals may file a writ of Qui Tam if they have direct knowledge of a fraudulent transaction or act involving the federal government. This must be new information that has never been shared before. Anyone offering details that federal agents already know will not be eligible for a reward.

Additionally, some people are excluded from this process. Anyone directly involved in the fraud may not benefit from reporting the information to the government. Individuals who are legally obligated to report wrongdoing, including federal investigators or law enforcement members, are also excluded.

An award is only possible when the tips lead to a conviction under the False Claims Act. Even then, individuals can only recover compensation if the government recovers money from the target of the investigation as part of the enforcement action. When this happens, the whistleblower could be entitled to between 10 and 30 percent of what is recovered.

Non-Residents Can Recover an Award

The False Claims Act does not limit whistleblowers to American citizens or permanent residents. Anyone intending to act as a whistleblower does not have to be in the United States.

To qualify for an award, whistleblowers must have detailed information about government-related fraud. An international whistleblower lawyer in Columbia could provide more information on qualifications.

Get in Touch With an International Whistleblower Attorney in Columbia

The thought of getting involved in a fraud investigation might seem intimidating, but there are rewards that can come with doing the right thing. If your information results in a conviction, you could be entitled to compensation.

Learn more during a discussion with a Columbia international whistleblower lawyer. Reach out to our law office today to schedule an initial consultation with our seasoned legal team.

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