The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) launched a dedicated webpage on February 13, 2026, to receive confidential whistleblower tips concerning fraud, money laundering, and violations of U.S. Sanctions programs. The new portal, announced by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, aims to bolster efforts to combat illicit financial activity and recover funds diverted through fraudulent schemes.
FinCEN’s Office of the Whistleblower will accept tips related to violations of the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), a set of laws originally enacted in 1970 and amended over time to combat money laundering and other financial crimes. The BSA requires financial institutions to maintain records of cash transactions, report transactions exceeding $10,000, and file reports of suspicious activity. According to FinCEN, individuals who submit information that leads to a successful enforcement action may be eligible for financial awards.
Secretary Bessent highlighted the initiative during a visit to Minnesota, where the administration has focused on alleged fraud schemes targeting government benefits programs. He stated that the Treasury Department would offer whistleblower payments to individuals providing details on “the who, what, when, where, and how” of fraudulent activity and money laundering. Bessent drew parallels to past successes targeting organized crime, stating, “We did it with the mafia, we have done it with the cartels, and we’re doing it with the Somali fraudsters.”
The launch of the whistleblower portal follows a period of increased scrutiny and enforcement activity by FinCEN, signaling a heightened focus on anti-money laundering (AML) compliance. Recent actions by the agency suggest a particular emphasis on Money Services Businesses (MSBs) and other financial institutions. FinCEN is also undertaking initiatives to investigate MSBs, enhance reporting to accelerate prosecutions, and alert financial institutions to disrupt fraud rings exploiting programs like those providing child nutrition assistance. The IRS is preparing to launch a dedicated task force focused on potential misuse of funding by 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities.
The new webpage provides a confidential channel for submitting tips related to a range of financial crimes, including those impacting national security. FinCEN encourages potential whistleblowers to submit detailed documentation to support their claims as soon as possible. The agency’s actions reach as the Trump administration continues to prioritize the detection and prevention of financial fraud and the safeguarding of taxpayer funds.
