LOS ANGELES –
U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada announced Friday a new program by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California (USAO-CDCA) aimed at encouraging individuals to report criminal activities linked to companies, financial institutions, and other entities.
The Voluntary Self-Disclosure (VSD) and Whistleblower Pilot Program, effective immediately, encourages people to come forward with information about fraud, bribery, and other misconduct.
Those who voluntarily report such activities and agree to fully cooperate with investigations may be eligible to avoid prosecution, according to officials.
The program is focused on cases where individuals report criminal conduct involving fraud, corporate control failures, or bribery that impacts federal, state, or local funds.
The program seeks to uncover previously unknown misconduct and targets those who are equally or more responsible.
It is not intended for corporate leaders like CEOs or government officials who played a central role in the misconduct.
The program offers clear guidelines on when the USAO-CDCA may provide deferred or non-prosecution agreements (DPAs or NPAs) to incentivize individuals to share actionable information.
This will help in investigating and prosecuting criminal activities that might otherwise remain hidden. It also encourages companies to create programs that prevent and address misconduct and to report such issues when they arise.
To qualify for a DPA or NPA under the VSD program, individuals must:
- Disclose misconduct that is not already public or known to the USAO-CDCA or the Department of Justice.
- Voluntarily report the criminal conduct, not in response to a government inquiry, and before any imminent threat of exposure or investigation.
- Provide significant help in investigating and prosecuting others involved, not played a leading role in the misconduct, and be ready to fully cooperate, including testifying if needed.
- Truthfully disclose all criminal conduct they’ve been involved in or know about.
- Not be a high-ranking official, CEO, or someone who controls a company, nor a government official.
- Not have committed violent crimes, sex offenses involving minors, terrorism, or have a prior felony conviction for fraud or dishonesty.
If someone discloses information but doesn’t meet all the criteria, prosecutors may still consider offering a DPA or NPA with approval.
To self-disclose under this program, email: USACAC.VDP@usdoj.gov.