May 14, 2025
This information is provided for educational purposes only by Kohn, Kohn & Colapinto and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by accessing this content. Laws and regulations may change, and this material may not reflect the most current legal developments. If you believe you have a whistleblower claim, consult a qualified attorney to discuss your specific circumstances.
If an international scheme involves violations of U.S. securities laws, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) can bring enforcement actions against a fraudster.
The SEC has the authority to pursue enforcement actions against domestic and foreign individuals or entities who engage in fraud or other misconduct related to securities traded in the U.S. or that involve U.S. investors.
The SEC often cooperates with foreign securities regulators and law enforcement agencies to investigate and enforce securities laws. They may also share information and work together in cross-border cases to protect investors and maintain the integrity of global financial markets.
We are delighted to welcome the former acting chair and commissioner of the SEC, Allison Herren Lee, to our firm.
Now Of Counsel at Kohn, Kohn & Colapinto, Allison Herren Lee is ready to serve and protect whistleblowers, and help them seek rewards under the Dodd-Frank Act and SEC Whistleblower Program. If you’re an SEC whistleblower seeking to report a concern, contact our law firm today to speak confidentially with Allison Lee.
SEC Whistleblowing Program: Get Rewarded
The SEC’s whistleblower program allows individuals from any country to submit tips about potential securities law violations, including international schemes.
If the information provided by a whistleblower leads to a successful enforcement action resulting in monetary sanctions over $1 million, the whistleblower may be eligible for an award ranging between 10% and 30% of the collected sanctions.
However, the SEC’s ability to enforce actions against international schemes depends on various factors, such as jurisdiction, cooperation between regulatory authorities, and the nature of the alleged misconduct.
Protection Against Retaliation
International whistleblowers who report potential securities law violations, including those involving international schemes, can receive protection under the Dodd-Frank Act. This act provides several key protections for whistleblowers:
- Anonymity: Whistleblowers can submit anonymous tips to the SEC if they are represented by a U.S. attorney. The attorney will communicate with the SEC on behalf of the whistleblower, preventing their identity from being exposed.
- Anti-Retaliation: Prohibits employers from retaliating against whistleblowers for reporting potential securities law violations to the SEC. Retaliation can include demotion, harassment, termination, or other forms of discrimination. If an employer retaliates against a whistleblower, the whistleblower may have the right to file a lawsuit against the employer and seek remedies such as reinstatement, back pay, and compensation for litigation costs, including attorney’s fees.
- Confidentiality: The SEC must keep the information provided by whistleblowers confidential, consistent with the need to conduct an adequate investigation. The SEC is prohibited from disclosing a whistleblower’s identity without their consent, unless the disclosure is required in connection with a court proceeding or to another government agency.
These protections apply to whistleblowers regardless of their location, as long as the reported misconduct involves U.S. securities laws or has a significant impact on U.S. investors or markets. It is always advisable to consult with an attorney experienced in SEC whistleblower matters to understand the full extent of protections available in a specific situation.
If you observe a violation of securities law, it is within your rights to bring it to light and contribute to meaningful change. When you take such action, you play a vital role in preserving the sanctity of our financial systems, and you may qualify for substantial monetary rewards and immunity against reprisals under U.S. securities legislation.
At Kohn, Kohn & Colapinto, we are prepared to lend our expertise and guidance throughout your journey. Our commitment lies in safeguarding your legal rights and ensuring appropriate compensation for the potential risks you encounter. Stand up for justice, reach out to us today.
Our Firm’s Cases
Environment & Human Rights Violations Exposed
Oil industry’s environmental crimes and cover-up in Colombia have been exposed. Whistleblower Andrés Olarte Peña, with the support of his attorneys Kohn, Kohn & Colapinto and the damning evidence compiled in the Iguana Papers, is calling for an investigation into Ecopetrol and its executives by the Colombian government and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
$30 Million Award
Protecting the confidentiality of Wall Street whistleblowers is among the most important breakthroughs in federal whistleblower law. Under the Dodd-Frank Act, whistleblowers can file anonymous cases, and everything about their case, including who they sued, remains secret.
$13.5 Million Award
Our firm represented an anonymous whistleblower, who on May 17, 2021, received a whistleblower award of almost $13.5 million. The SEC has issued more than $31 million in whistleblower awards related to this case.
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