Integrity Report

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DOJ’s Corporate Whistleblower Awards Program

Are you aware of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) program that offers millions of dollars in rewards for tips on fraud and bribery? The initiative provides significant financial incentives to employees who come forward with incriminating evidence against their employers.

Employees who provide information or analysis related to financial crimes may be eligible for 30% of the first $100 million in net forfeitures and up to 5% of amounts between $100 million and $500 million.

To qualify for a reward, whistleblowers must provide:

• Original, truthful information that was not previously known to the DOJ.

• Voluntarily disclose the information.

• Not be involved in the reported misconduct.

• The information must lead to a successful prosecution or civil forfeiture action resulting in net proceeds exceeding $1 million.

What is covered under the program?

1. Financial Institutions - Misconduct involving money laundering, anti-money laundering compliance violations, and fraud by financial institutions and their agents.

2. Foreign Corruption & Bribery - Violations related to foreign corruption and bribery by privately held companies, including breaches of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the Foreign Extortion Prevention Act.

3. Domestic Corruption - Bribery or kickback payments to domestic public officials by companies.

4. Health Care Fraud - Fraudulent activities in the healthcare sector involving private insurers and non-public health care benefit programs.

5. Immigration Law Violations - In May 2025, the program was expanded to include corporate violations of federal immigration laws.

How does the program work?

(Click here) to learn more about Corporate Whistleblower Awards Program!

In the News:

Erin Brockovich Attorney and Real Housewives Star Gets 7 years for Embezzlement

In June, former high-profile attorney Tom Girardi—known for his work on the Erin Brockovich case and his appearance on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills—was sentenced to seven years in federal prison for embezzling over $15 million from clients over a decade. He used the stolen funds to support a lavish lifestyle that included private jets and exclusive country clubs. Although his legal team argued he was mentally unfit to stand trial, a judge ruled him competent. Girardi was also ordered to pay $2.3 million in restitution and a $35,000 fine.

From 2010 to 2020, Tom Girardi ran his Los Angeles law firm, Girardi Keese, like a Ponzi scheme, stealing millions in settlement funds and deceiving clients—many of whom had suffered severe injuries—by falsely claiming payments were delayed due to fabricated legal or financial hurdles. Prosecutors said he lied to both clients and staff, while using firm accounts as a personal piggy bank to fund a lavish lifestyle, including luxury travel, jewelry, and over $25 million in expenses tied to his wife's entertainment career. In one egregious case, he told a burn victim he secured a $7.25 million settlement when the actual amount was $53 million.

“This self-proclaimed ‘champion of justice’ was nothing more than a thief and a liar who conned his vulnerable clients out of the millions of dollars,” Bill Essayli, the U.S. attorney for the Central District of California, said. (Read More)

Fraud Flixs:

Fatburger’s $47-Million Dollar Fraud on Youtube

This 2024 independent documentary by Wall Street Millennials details how Andrew Wiederhorn, CEO of Fat Brands, allegedly utilized intercompany sham loans to divert $47 million from the company. Fat Brands, which owns 18 brands including Fatburger and Johnny Rockets, operates across 2,300 locations. 

Prosecutors allege that from 2017 to early 2021, Wiederhorn directed FAT Brands to issue nearly $47 million in shareholder distributions disguised as loans to himself and his family. These funds were purportedly used for personal luxuries, including private jet travel, vacations, a Rolls-Royce Phantom, other luxury automobiles, jewelry, and a piano. The indictment asserts that Wiederhorn had no intention of repaying these loans, effectively treating company funds as a personal slush fund. 

Wiederhorn faces multiple federal charges, including tax evasion, wire fraud, and making false statements to accountants. The ongoing legal proceedings will likely have lasting implications for corporate governance standards and regulatory enforcement in the restaurant industry. (See Video)

Fraud Quiz:

Test your Knowledge

What is a slush fund typically used for in the context of corporate fraud?

1. To pay regular employee salaries

2. To cover unexpected business expenses transparently

3. To set aside money for illegal or unethical purposes, often hidden from official records

4. To invest in company-approved retirement plans

Scroll down to find out if you got the answer right!

Fraud Facts:

In 2024, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), … 

The Final Word:

Fraud Quiz Answers

The answer is #3 - A slush fund is a reserve of money used for illicit or undisclosed purposes, often kept off the official books. In corporate fraud, it's typically used to finance unauthorized expenses or bribes while concealing the true financial state of the organization.

At MPR Group LLC, our Investigation and Anti-Fraud experts are here to help you spot the red flags before they become costly problems. From proactive risk assessments to discreet internal investigations, we empower your business to stay one step ahead of fraud—because prevention is always better than damage control.

Let us protect what you’ve worked so hard to build.