US Prosecutors’ Message for Whistleblowers: Let’s Make a Deal

Federal prosecutors in Manhattan have a reputation for taking a tough stance on co-conspirators. Plead guilty, cooperate and the judge may give you a shorter sentence.

But they have a new message for would-be whistleblowers — get through the door first and you could avoid criminal charges entirely.

The US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York announced a new pilot program, aimed at enticing tips from employees at private companies, financial institutions and investment funds that expose corruption and white collar crime.

“It’s consistent with the message we have been sending for a while now, which is ...