What whistleblowing cases are about
Sometimes employees, contractors, or service providers discover irregularities: false billing to U.S. government programs, or payments that influence decisions abroad. These matters of misbehavior, illegal or unethical practices, can be pursued in the United States—even if the conduct happened in Europe or another region. We meet with you in Europe, verify the U.S. link, and, where appropriate, proceed in the U.S. together with our experienced partner firms.
Fraud against U.S. public funds — lawsuits brought “in the name of the United States”
If the U.S. government is defrauded, it can recover the money. What’s unique is that a private person can trigger a civil case “in the name of the United States.” If the case succeeds, the whistleblower typically receives a percentage of the recovery. Legal fees and costs are also reimbursed. U.S. law often multiplies the proven loss (commonly by three), which significantly increases the recovery.
Typical examples:
- “Studies” or “consulting agreements” that are actually sales incentives
- Billing for services not provided, or charging inflated prices
- Bid-rigging or coordination in public supply chains
Bribery abroad by companies with a U.S. stock-market link
There is a second path that does not depend on direct government loss. U.S. rules prohibit bribery abroad when the company has a connection to the U.S. securities markets (for example, a listing or trading of shares/ADRs). Tips can be submitted to the U.S. securities regulator. If a tip leads to significant sanctions, the whistleblower may receive a percentage award. Nationality and residence generally do not matter.
Typical examples:
- Influencing prescribing or purchasing decisions in healthcare through congress travel, “research projects,” or sponsorship
- Payments to staff at state hospitals made through third parties
- Hiding these payments in group accounting or internal reports
Why this matters outside the United States
Many cases arise in Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America—especially in healthcare, public procurement, and funded projects. The key is a credible U.S. link: money from U.S. public programs or a company connected to U.S. securities markets.
What whistleblowers can expect
- Financial incentives: a share of the government recovery or of sanctions, if the tip substantially helps resolve the case
- Confidentiality: for regulator tips, anonymity through U.S. counsel is possible until any award decision
- Clear fee terms: we frequently work on a success-based basis, explained transparently in the first meeting
How we work — clear, discreet, transatlantic
Initial consultation in Europe
We speak confidentially, identify the U.S. link, and assess which route fits your case.
Evidence preservation
We help you collect documents properly (emails, contracts, payment records, travel and congress data, study materials). It is essential to proceed cleanly and without breaching internal duties.
Whistleblower cases with a US angle legal and strategy memo
We determine whether the case fits the government-fraud path or the overseas-bribery/regulator-reporting path, assess prospects and risks, and set the plan.
Filing and proceedings in the United States
With our U.S. colleagues, we file either a confidential court action or a regulator submission. We coordinate with the authorities and pursue the case through enforcement or settlement.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be a U.S. citizen?
No. What matters is the legal link to the United States, not your nationality.
How large can awards be?
It depends on the route, the outcome, and how much your tip advances the case. The key driver is the amount ultimately recovered or sanctioned.
Are there examples from outside the U.S.?
Yes. In healthcare in particular, congress travel, “studies,” or consulting arrangements have been used to influence decisions. Several such matters have led to major U.S. settlements and sanctions.
Contact
Urban Thier & Federer — Germany / United States
Carl Christian Thier, Esq., Attorney at Law/Rechtsanwalt, New York – Germany/Deutschland
Honorary Consul Austria/Honorarkonsul Österreich
Share your situation with us in confidence. We will respond promptly with a clear proposal for next steps.
This post is general info, not legal advice.