Feeling powerless at work due to threatening behavior from leadership or colleagues is a lonely, vulnerable position. If an employer or colleague has asked an individual to engage in, or overlook, fraudulent or illegal activities, legal action can be taken. Individuals in Wisconsin can seek protection and receive just compensation for any injury suffered for reporting the illegal activity through a “qui tam” lawsuit.
Recently, light has been shed on illegal actions that agents in the Secret Service have allegedly engaged in over the course of years in at least 17 countries. Reports of sexual misconduct are on the rise and agents have been cut from security detail for President Barack Obama. One whistleblower‘s reports have led to investigation in an alleged scandal in Columbia, which purportedly included the involvement of over a dozen agents.
Homeland Security officials set in motion a full analysis of the Secret Services’ on and off-duty activity. The alleged behavior and sexual misconduct of agents recently jeopardizes the President’s and government officials’ security. Measures will now be taken to remove guilty agents, if appropriate.
In the event that a whistleblower is retaliated against for reporting employer or colleague fraudulent behavior, a qui tam case can be launched. If an individual has observed fraudulent activity but is afraid to report it, they are protected by law and can file a lawsuit that will remain under seal for at least two years in Wisconsin. Many circumstances fall under this category, and filing an anti-fraud lawsuit on behalf of the U.S. government can protect the rights of the individual while stopping illegal activity.
Source: theday.com, Whistle-blowers allege sexual misconduct in Secret Service spans borders, years, Carol D. Leonnig and David Nakamaura, Nov. 15, 2013
