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lostinlovingrevery · 5 months ago

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Whistleblower

Weapon X! Logan X F! Reader

A/N: This is really different from what I usually write but I had this idea and I wanted to get it out there. I MAY make a smutty alt of this lol...

Plot: You're a doctor recruited to work at the research base Lake Alkali, where you eventually become the whistleblower on the immoral experiments used on mutants held inside, one particular man being the reason you finally spilled the secrets....

Warnings: Canon typical violence, blood, mentions of experiments, descriptions that could be a lil disturbing? reader get attacked (not by Logan teehee), reader is a mutant but no powers mentioned, reader feels bad for Logan lol, more of a plot based fic with some future romance implied?

Word Count: 4k+!

Fingers tapped rhythmically against a stack of papers. Jazz played in the background. A hot cup of tea, slowly cooling off as it becomes forgotten.

You were sitting in your shabby little broom closet of an office. A ceiling light flickers above you. Filing cabinets stuffed full of documents and manilla folders lined the walls. A laptop sat on your desk, open to an email that you have typed out, attached to the email was files, and pictures.

Lots of pictures.

You looked up, at a shitty motivational picture of a person looking at a landscape of a mountain, and a quote plastered in bold text at the bottom,

“AN IDEA WITHOUT ACTION IS NOTHING”

You had an idea.

Whether you were brave enough to take action is the issue.

You’re a doctor. A scientist. Majored in medicine, and went back to grad school for biology, and even dabbled in some psychology. Your name was… controversial. Your studies and research revolved around mutants, and supported mutants. You have been torn down by other scientists, doctors, and even colleagues for your work. You didn’t care.

A few years later your work got noticed by some higher-up government officials. Another scientist by the name of William Stryker recruited you into his mission. A top secret base located at the beautiful and scenic lake Alkali. You were told that you would be helping the future of mutants and humans alike.

That was a fucking lie.

Initially, you didn’t know anything. You were moved onto the base, given your own personal quarters, something with a bedroom and bathroom and a space big enough to be a living area. You were given small amounts of clearance. You had weekends off. It was a 1 year contract.

Your job at first was to check the physicals and health statuses of soldiers, give out flu shots, and occasionally run a physical on a “volunteer” for the experiment programs they ran in the base, experiments you didn’t have clearance on. You didn’t think anything of it at first, everything you saw seemed clean, and people were treated with respect. Time went on and suppose they began to trust your persons, so you moved up the ladder and took part in studies that were more your style. That’s when you began to feel like something was wrong.

Some of the research didn’t feel…ethical. It felt that the mutants were being treated like..animals. They talked about them like animals. At face level, the people who came in were volunteers- participating in studies in the name of science, sometimes a monetary reward was offered. Then you would notice that said volunteers never officially left.

It was when you did some snooping around that you discovered some horrific truths. You found files, pictures, classified things that weren’t meant for your eyes. You were caught- of course you were caught. This was a top secret government research base. There were eyes everywhere.

You were taken to Stryker, who gave you a firm lecture- as if he was scolding a child. He then asked you if you were still wanting to stay a part of the research team. He had noticed your wonderful work ethic, and your bright mind. Thought you’d do great to help out. He also implied your inevitable murder if you were to say no.

You said yes.

Not because of the bullshit excuse of “This is for the best of humanity and mutant-kind”. To perform immoral and cruel experiments on mutants in the name of discovery and America. Fuck that. You were smart, you had ambition. You also had empathy and a moral compass, unlike these arrogant pricks.

They didn’t know you were a mutant too- at least, they never implied they did. Not that it matters. You were raised to be accepting of everyone, to treat people with kindness, to lend a hand. That’s why you became a doctor. You were half tempted to use your powers to create a rebellion, take the place out. There were too many people though, all prepared, they had weapons and tools meant for controlling mutants and subduing them. It would be over before it started. You weren’t exactly a fighter, even though your powers were strong, but you were clever.

You reread the email you have written out for the millionth time. You used a fake email. You had multiple VPNs and several other spyware you installed in an attempt to hide where the email came from. Honestly, though, it probably wouldn’t matter. They’ll know it’s you the second you hit send. They’ll come in, knock you out, and use you for their sick experiments too.

Perhaps though, if this email goes to the person you’re hoping it does. Maybe it won’t take so long. It won’t be so bad.

You agreed to stay for a reason. For information. For evidence. You had to be careful of your reactions, of your words. They watched your every move. Looking for signs of any infractions against them. It took time but you earned the trust of the staff and the mutants.

You were kind, you provided comfort to them. You whispered promises that you will help them and that they will be free. All the while you took discreet photos and made copies of files and reports secretly. You’ve been storing them in the vent next to you; you made a secret compartment inside so that when the head of security comes in for their monthly inspections they never find anything. Chief Hanlon. That guy is a huge dick.

You thought back to the faces you’ve come to know. People with tortured eyes and permanent scars. It tugged at your heart. You felt guilty, for ever taking part in something like this, for ever agreeing to come to this hellish place.

The next face you think of is what pushes you to hit send.

“Weapon X-”

Dr. Stryker was walking you down a long, poorly lit, concrete corridor, guarded by men in military gear, holding assault rifles- all of them eyeing you suspiciously. Stryker was walking with a cocky smile and a swagger. It was 2 weeks ago, before you had been pushed to finally compile your evidence and find someone who could help you.

“My biggest achievement in my career.�� He continues. You both stopped at the end of the corridor, and he punched a code into the keypad. The metal doors open, and you step into a large room. Surrounded by large machinery, scientists, and guarded personnel, sat a huge glass tube, filled with some kind of substance, and a man who sat suspended inside it. He motioned to the tube, almost like he was presenting it grandly to you. “My pride and joy.”

It made you sick to your stomach at the sight. He was suspended in the tube- floating in the clear liquid-like substance. He had no clothing on, and you could make out the tense muscles of his body. Despite his burly appearance, he looked unhealthy- his skin was pale, his hair grown out, wild and untamed, from his head, down to his chin, his beard scruffy and long as well. Even his stomach seemed sunken in.

Are they even feeding him?

The metal wires that were attached to his skin went in various places, his arms, his chest, his legs, and his head. The Holter monitor at the bottom that sat in front of you reads his heart rate; It was faster than it should be for an average person. You made out dog tags around his neck- the only article of clothing on him. There was a large oxygen mask, covering his nose and mouth.

His eyes were open- and staring at you.

“A soldier I met in Vietnam. He’s a mutant- obviously, claw-like appendages that protrude from his fist.” Stryker explains. “He has an extraordinary ability to heal. He can recover from anything- bullets, stabbings, broken bones. He has heightened senses, incredible strength, and a fierce rage, making him the strongest weapon in the world.” He says proudly. “A few years ago, I convinced him to partake in an experiment that bound adamantium metal to his bones. He’s indestructible.”

You swallowed, not taking your eyes off of him. This poor man, what must he feel? How much pain is he in?

“The machine keeps his body supported and alive, but the substance- something I invented- keeps him frozen in place, which is why the machine is needed. He wouldn’t be able to breathe, no heartbeat or anything. He’s come back from death plenty of times, we’ve researched that- but we rather not risk fully killing him, y’know?” Stryker laughs. You grimaced at him, your eyes turning to look at the man, examining his body - that’s when you saw the twitch of his pinky.

Didn’t Stryker say he was frozen in place?

“What’s his name?”

“Name?” Stryker says, a bit surprised at your question. “Logan.”

You were glad to have a name for the face. Calling him Weapon X, felt nothing but wrong.

“What is his…purpose?” You ask, tearing your eyes away, not mentioning the twitch. You knew what Stryker would say.

“We use him to carry out missions that cannot be failed,” Stryker says. “He’s nearly impossible to control, hence why we keep him in this- and when we send him out, he’s equipped with a helmet that helps us keep track of his whereabouts and sends signals to tell him what to do.”

“Mind control?” You asked. You use him to kill people.

“Kinda.” He says, turning to the computer and typing in a few things. “Your job here will be just to monitor his vitals. We noticed spikes in heart rates and blood pressure lately. Rare moments, but something we’d like to keep an eye on. If it gets worse, you’ll be tasked to come up with a solution. He’s too valuable to lose.”

You nodded. You could still feel Logan staring at you.

After Stryker finished explaining everything, you were sent back to your day. Logan's face lingered in your head. The way his eyes stared at you. What was he thinking?

It was that night you began looking for help. Your mind would wrack through people you have met through your years when you remembered someone- someone from when you were in college. A kind man, who approached you regarding your paper of mutant psychology. A paper you wrote in research regarding how mutant lifestyles can be affected by their powers. It was widely controversial, considering mutants weren’t- and still aren’t- quite accepted in your society. Your peers and professors had tried to sway you from writing it, but you refused, not caring about the consequences. Mutants were forever treated as evil people, the news constantly reported the “bad” mutants. Nevermind the fact that there were still plenty out there, living normal lives.

The man wanted to know more about you, your paper, and what you wanted to do after college. He confided in you that he had a school for mutants and invited you to come see it. At the time, you were too busy- but you always kept his card. You didn’t know how or why- but something about him told you that maybe he could help. You prayed to whatever God was out there, that this man,

Charles Xavier

Could help you, Logan, and the others who were trapped here.

After that, you spent the next week discreetly putting together everything to send to Charles. Anxiety wracked your head. What if he can’t help, what if he doesn’t help? Maybe he confided in his secret school of mutants, but what if he was just like Stryker and it was all a sham?

You were doing your usual responsibilities when you went to check on Logan. It was two weeks ago today that you were in charge of monitoring his health. Your intuition told you that his spiked heart rates, the twitch of his pinky, and the way his eyes watched your movements- even though he shouldn’t be able to move at all, were not a coincidence or a sign of a failing health state.

It was just you and a few guards that were stationed at the door. You were observing the latest changes over the last 24 hours. The two guards were silent, and then one of them started talking, bringing up some workplace gossip.

“Hey, y’know, me and Miranda, we got a date Saturday night.”

“Shit, she said yes to your dumbass?”

“Man fuck you.”

They were talking, and distracted. You turned to scowl at them, which they didn’t notice, both facing each other wrapped up in their own conversation. You looked back at the monitor, tapping your fingers on the table when you noticed movement. Your eyes glanced upwards, and you noticed the twitch of his toe. You looked farther up and his eyes were staring down at you.

You looked back at the guards. Hesitating before silently standing up and moving closer to the tube. Your hand went up to the glass and gently pressed. You looked back at the guards once more, still gossiping and distracted. You looked up at Logan. Staring right into his eyes, and you mouthed to him,

“I’ll get you out of here”

You’re not even sure if he would have understood you, if he could lipread. The others say his mind was too far gone to understand what’s going on around him, and the helmet is what gives him directions. They called him an animal.

“He’s a man. Not an animal.” You corrected them. They simply stared at you. You could feel their silent judgments. Has everyone lost their humanity here? How could you look at him and not see a person?

The way his eyes moved- staring at you, you felt there was something there, someone there. He was thinking. He was observing. You wanted him to know you were on his side.

You had no other choice at this point. You were at your wit's end. Who cares about your safety, your own life if you get caught. These people deserved better.

Now back in your office, you sent the email. Hopefully, Charles is good about checking his email- that he knew what to do, or you and everyone else here is fucked. You went to bed that night, unable to sleep, Logan’s eyes tearing through your mind.

You walk on eggshells for three days, waiting for the moment someone confronts you, for them to break into your room and stick a bag over your head and throw you into a jail cell where you get to await whatever Stryker thinks you’ll be good for.

You were starting to wonder if anything was going to happen, while you were sitting at your desk once again in your little office. Filling out various medical files- one on a woman who had snow-like powers. Stryker had ideas to use her against hot and dry environments, turn them frigid cold, in order to incapacitate enemies who were prepared for hot weather. At one point you believed this research wasn’t about warfare, or violence. You thought you would be helping mutants, understanding what made you, you. How you managed to let the wool go over your eyes you didn’t know.

The blare of the alarm startled you out of your thoughts. Announcements of guards and soldiers to get into position, alerts of intruders coming to the base.

You thought you were going to puke.

You got up from your chair, unsure of what to do. Another announcement told staff to stay where they were. You tapped your fingers on the desk behind you as your brain wracked for ideas, should you go out and see what’s happening? Who were these intruders?

Maybe it had something to do with the whistleblower email you sent several days ago.

You could hear footsteps of soldiers running down the hall past your door.

What if this is my chance?

You could help them escape the mutants. The soldiers, the security, they were distracted by whoever was attacking - people you hoped were on your side. You knew the codes, you could fight a little bit yourself- even if it wasn’t your preference. You grabbed your lab coat off your chair, making sure your badge was still attached for access, throwing it on and you opened the door, peeking out into the hallway- empty.

Your heels clacked on the floor as you ran down the maze like hallways that you’ve become familiar with the last 6 months towards the elevators. The lights shut off suddenly, leaving you in darkness until emergency lights kicked on. The alarms were off now. The only thing you could hear was faint gunshots happening thankfully far away from you.

You could barely see, the red lights of the elevators and stairway signs led you to the direction you wanted to be in. You carefully walked towards them, your heels clicking against the tiled floor as you went to the stairway door, pushing it open.

Soft orange glow lit up the otherwise dark and very cold stairway. You could hear more gunfire. You turned to look back at the hall you came from, searching for any signs of people that may have been around, before going into the stairway, and climbing down the stairs.

With the power off, the captive mutants are likely escaping themselves already, which may explain the occasional gunfire. People fighting back you can only assume. If they’re fighting, you’re going to fight with them.

You carefully made your way down the stairs, cautious to not trip due to the lack of lighting. You reached the floor that would lead you to the captive mutants. Your mind wandered to Logan. He was a few floors down. Maybe you can help him too?

You chose to go farther down the stairs. You had to do something. How could you not?

You reached the floor you wanted to reach, and carefully pushed the door open, peeking out into the hall. Only small red emergency lights lit the dark empty halls, but they provided enough light for you to make out multiple bodies strewn across the floor. They were still, unmoving, and against your better judgment, you moved inside into the hall, checking one of the bodies.

It was one of the soldiers that usually stood guard in Logan's room. You kneeled down to check his pulse. No pulse.

Your heart was beating out of your chest, as you carefully walked down the hall, checking each body for pulses. You may have thought everyone who worked here was scum - but you were still a doctor and if there was something you could do, you would do it.

After the 5th body you could confirm was dead, you quickly walked down the hall to Logan’s room. The door was wide open - and you could see from where you were, the tube that kept Logan immobile and suspended was broken apart. The substance that kept him frozen was leaking into a large puddle on the ground- where you could barely make out several more bodies on the floor.

He was free

Judging by the state of the soldiers, you’re not sure if that’ll be a good thing for you.

You took a couple of steps back, only to feel a hand on your shoulder, swinging you around- you felt a sharp punch to your face, knocking you harshly to the ground. Pain radiated from your nose down to your jaw, and you felt blood trickling down your nose over your lip as you brought a hand up to it. Looking up fearfully, you recognized him, the chief of security.

“You bitch.” He hissed, fists clenched at his side. “You fucking did this didn’t you? I told Stryker you couldn’t be trusted. I should have put a bullet in your head when I caught you sneaking around the first time.”

“No-!” You yelped as he reached down, hand against your throat and pinning you to the floor, your head banging against the concrete making you yelp in pain. You clawed at his arm, kicking your legs in an attempt to get free as you felt his fingers tighten against your throat. You looked up at your attacker, his eyes furrowed, as he gritted his teeth, squeezing your throat tighter as you began to gasp for air- your chest growing tight.

In a flash, you heard a scream, and something warm and wet splatter on your. His hand was gone, and you watched in horror as he was lifted into the air, sharp metal points sticking out through his chest, and you saw Logan, holding him up in the air- a sharp snarl escaping him.

You heard a snikt! And you crawled away as the chief's body fell to the ground. Your heart pounding out of your chest, tears fell down your face, as a shaky breath escaped you- looking up at the towering and terrifying presence that now stood above you.

The red light illuminated him, making him look almost devilish. He was hunched, hands in fists, covered in blood, completely naked. There were a few wires hanging haphazardly from his arms and legs - and the helmet, the one you assumed is the one they use to control him.

They’re not controlling him now, are they?

You waited, waited for him to kill you next. Surely he will?

He straightened himself, a scowl on his face as his nostrils flared, his chest heaving with deep breaths. He stared into your eyes. You swallowed, and pushed yourself up from the ground. Your body was shaking, and you stepped forward towards him, over the body of Hanlon.

“Logan?” You said his name, your voice hoarse, and cracked. He didn’t say anything, just stared at you. You blinked a few times, and you reached your hands up, they’re shaky and unsteady, but you reached towards him- to the helmet.

He flinched back a moment, before stopping, letting you do whatever you were going to do. His eyes unceasing their hard stare, his nostrils flaring with every breath- making you nervous that those famous claws you’ve heard about - and just seen in action are going to make their appearance and turn you into a shish kebab.

He didn’t do anything, and you finally made contact with the cold metal. You could feel the heat radiating off his skin, as your fingers found bolts and clips, undoing each one until the helmet came loose from his skull.

You saw relief flood his eyes, his hands reaching up as you slowly moved yours back, returning them to your side shaky as ever, as he pulled the helmet off and dropped it to the ground.

He blinked a few times, looking around, a small breath of relief escaping him before looking at you again.

You both stood there, unsure what to do next.

1 Year Later

Your fingers nervously tapped along the files in your lap. Your leg crossed over the other as you sat on the very uncomfortable chair provided to you while you waited. You laid your hands flat across the folder, as anxiety twisted in your gut.

“Nervous?”

The voice drew you out of your anxious thoughts as you looked up and smiled.

Logan stood there in front of you, clean, healthy, happy. He wore a clean dress suit, his hair slicked back, and his beard trimmed. He gave you a thin lipped smile, his eyes regarding you with softness.

It had been a long year to get to where he was, with you there to support him as best as you could.

It was Charles Xavier's people who came and caused chaos at the base. A group called the X-men, a group of talented and powerful mutants who work in the name of helping mutants- which is right up your alley. You- nor Logan didn’t join right away, but accepted Charles' invitation to stay at his school, alongside other mutants who were rescued, in order to wait for the dust to settle.

The dust was finally settling. Stryker and his men were on trial before congress. You were the piece to finally put things to rest. The evidence you compiled, the things you witnessed. You were about to go before congress, and speak on the behalf of mutants that had become victims to Stryker.

You stood up from your chair, hugging your files to your chest. “A little bit.”

“Don’t be, you’ll do great.” He says. “You always stood your ground about things like this. Just cause it’s a bunch of assholes in Washington don’t make it any different.”

You got to know Logan, who he was. He became someone you admired like no other. He rose up from the trauma and pain he suffered in Alkali, refusing to let it harden him. He was still a bit rough around the edges- but for you he was soft.

During his time in Lake Alkali, he was waiting for a chance to escape. The scientist said he couldn’t think clearly but it was far from the truth. The only time he went into an animalistic haze was when the helmet was on- it blocked his vision and his senses, made his brain fuzzy.

When the X-men breached the dam, they were about to let Logan out to wreak havoc on the intruders. They put the helmet on him and he managed to keep himself together that time- escaping and slaughtering guards along the way. It was hard, it set his teeth on edge, it made him confused, unsure of what he was doing.

It was you that kept him from losing himself again. He heard your heartbeat, and your cry when Hanlon punched you. You removing the helmet was the final step for his freedom.

“I just hope it’s enough. You know politicians, how they are. You saw how they treated Jean.” You frowned, your eyebrows furrowing.

“You’ll convince them bub. Quite worrying.” He says. His hand reached out, placing over your arm, his thumb running across your skin in a soothing motion. You nodded, attempting to let his reassurance calm your nerves. “After this, we’ll get some lunch, yeah?”

You smiled and nodded, Logan paused, observing you before he stepped closer. It made your breath hitch, his proximity to you, your nerves becoming more worried about him now, instead of the trial. Lately, you and Logan's friendship that has formed over the last year has felt to be turning into something more. You weren’t quite sure what yet, and Logan didn’t seem to know either.

You had an idea though.

The door behind you opened.

“Ma’am? They’re ready for you.” A young man greets you and you nodded, looking back at Logan. He smiled supportively, and you quickly leaned up to kiss his cheek, before turning to walk into the room.

“Wish me luck.” You called after you, before the door shut behind you, leaving Logan alone in the hall, as he stuffed his hands in his pockets, thinking about how nice your lips felt on his cheek.

You were led to a desk, where the young man- you believed to be an intern pulled the chair out for you allowing you to sit. You quietly thanked him, smoothing your skirt out and setting the papers you were holding on the desk, you looked up and stared at a room full of men in suits.

“You are here today to present evidence before congress against Dr. William Stryker, as well as numerous other names in this trial. Do you have that evidence before you?”

You opened one of the files, and one of the first things you see is a picture of Logan. Weapon X. It made you sick to remember him like that. You looked up, lips pulled tight, eyes filled with determination.

“Yes.”

#logan howlett #wolverine #logan howlett x reader #logan howlett fanfiction #logan howlett x you #logan howlett fic #wolverine x reader #vans daydreams #weapon x #weapon x x reader

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mostlysignssomeportents · 1 year ago

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How to screw up a whistleblower law

I'm touring my new, nationally bestselling novel The Bezzle! Catch me THIS WEDNESDAY (Apr 17) in CHICAGO, then Torino (Apr 21) Marin County (Apr 27), Winnipeg (May 2), Calgary (May 3), Vancouver (May 4), and beyond!

Corporate crime is notoriously underpoliced and underprosecuted. Mostly, that's because we just choose not to do anything about it. American corporations commit crimes at 20X the rate of real humans, and their crimes are far worse than any crime committed by a human, but they are almost never prosecuted:

https://pluralistic.net/2021/10/12/no-criminals-no-crimes/#get-out-of-jail-free-card

We can't even bear to utter the words "corporate crime": instead, we deploy a whole raft of euphemisms like "risk and compliance," and that ole fave, the trusty "white-collar crime":

https://pluralistic.net/2021/12/07/solar-panel-for-a-sex-machine/#a-single-proposition

The Biden DOJ promised it would be different, and they weren't kidding. The DOJ's antitrust division is kicking ass, doing more than the division has done in generations, really swinging for the fences:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/03/22/reality-distortion-field/#three-trillion-here-three-trillion-there-pretty-soon-youre-talking-real-money

Main Justice – the rest of the DOJ – promised that it would do the same. Deputy AG Lisa Monaco promised an end to those bullshit "deferred prosecution agreements" that let corporate America literally get away with murder. She promised to prosecute companies and individual executives. She promised a lot:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/03/22/reality-distortion-field/#three-trillion-here-three-trillion-there-pretty-soon-youre-talking-real-money

Was she serious? Well, it's not looking good. Monaco's number two gnuy, Benjamin Mizer, has a storied career – working for giant corporations, getting them off the hook when they commit eye-watering crimes:

https://prospect.org/justice/2024-04-09-reform-groups-lack-of-corporate-prosecutions-doj/

Biden's DOJ is arguably more tolerant of corporate crime than even Trump's Main Justice. In 2021, the DOJ brought just 90 cases – the worst year in a quarter-century. 2022's number was 99, and 2023 saw 119. Trump's DOJ did better than any of those numbers in two out of four years. And back in 2000, Justice was bringing more than 300 corporate criminal prosecutions.

Deputy AG Monaco just announced a new whistleblower bounty program: cash money for ratting out your crooked asshole co-worker or boss. Whistleblower bounties are among the most effective and cheapest way to bring criminal prosecutions against corporations. If you're a terrified underling who can't afford to lose your job after narcing out your boss, the bounty can outweigh the risk of industry-wide blacklisting. And if you're a crooked co-conspirator thinking about turning rat on your fellow criminal, the bounty can tempt you into solving the Prisoner's Dilemma in a way that sees the crime prosecuted.

So a new whistleblower bounty program is good. We like 'em. What's not to like?

Sorry, folks, I've got some bad news:

https://www.corporatecrimereporter.com/news/200/stephen-kohn-on-the-justice-department-plan-to-offer-whistleblower-awards/

As the whistleblower lawyer Stephen Kohn points out to Russell Mokhiber of Corporate Crime Reporter, Monaco's whistleblower bounty program has a glaring defect: it excludes "individuals who were involved with the crime." That means that the long-suffering secretary who printed the boss's crime memo and put it in the mail is shit out of luck – as is the CFO who's finally had enough of the CEO's dirty poker.

This is not how other whistleblower reward programs work: the SEC and CFTC whistleblower programs do not exclude people involved with the crime, and for good reason. They want to catch kingpins, not footsoldiers – and the best way to do that is to reward the whistleblower who turns on the boss.

This isn't a new idea! It's in the venerable False Claims Act, an act that signed into law by President Abraham Lincoln. As Kohn says, making "accomplices" eligible to participate in whistleblower rewards is how you get people like his client, who relayed a bribe on behalf of his boss, to come forward. As Lincoln said in 1863, the purpose of a whistleblower law is to entice conspirators to turn on one another. Like Honest Abe said, "it takes a rogue to catch a rogue."

And – as Kohn says – we've designed these programs so that masterminds can't throw their minor lickspittles under the buss and collect a reward: "I know of no case where the person who planned or initiated the fraud under any of the reward laws ever got a dime."

Kohn points out that under Monaco, the DOJ just ignores the rule that afford anonymity to whistleblowers. That's a big omission – the SEC got 18,000 confidential claims in 2023. Those are claims that the DOJ can't afford to miss, given their abysmal, sub-Trump track record on corporate crime prosecutions.

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/04/15/whistleblown/#lisa-monaco

#pluralistic #whistleblowers #doj #false claims act #finance #bezzles #crime #dodd-frank act #lisa monaco

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quotablefanfiction · 1 year ago

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“Who stands to benefit?” “No one,” Bruce said. “There are three alternate sites we can use without delaying the project, I know every member of the construction team and they know they’re compensated well because they don’t cut corners, I have a reward program for whistleblowers, my researchers are paid as well for failure as success, every one of my employees has undergone a thorough background check, there should be no incentive for anyone to lie to me.” “Yanno,” Harley said, “for bein’ as careful as ya are, it’s surprisin’ how many Wayne Enterprises folks end up becomin’ supervillains.” “I am aware.”

Bruce is really trying to avoid expanding the list of supervillains (chp. 1)

Office Meeting by Unpretty (AO3) Batman – Teen – Poison Ivy/Harley Quinn #Humor #Conspiracy Theories

Bruce Wayne deals with supervillains almost as much as Batman does.

Part 16 of the Sorrowful and Immaculate Hearts series (AO3)

#fanfiction #quote #Batman #Poison Ivy #Pamela Isley #Bruce Wayne #Harley Quinn #Harleen Quinzel #Office Meeting #Unpretty

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bmrbuzz · 1 month ago

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U.S. Drops the Hammer on Hezbollah’s Cash Flow with $10M Bounty & Sanctions

Sanctions Galore: The Treasury’s OFAC slapped sanctions on Hezbollah’s top financial facilitators under Executive Order 13224, freezing assets and disrupting massive international money transfers that keep the group’s budget fat.

$10M Bounty: The State Department’s Rewards for Justice (RFJ) program is offering a cool $10 million for intel on Hezbollah’s shady financial networks, especially in the Tri-Border Area (TBA) of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay—a hotspot for money laundering, drug trafficking, and smuggling everything from charcoal to diamonds.

Visa Crackdowns: The U.S. is also slapping visa bans on anyone tied to Hezbollah’s illicit immigration and smuggling schemes, tightening the screws on their global ops.

The TBA is like a black market bazaar for Hezbollah, funding their terror through illegal trades like narcotics, counterfeit cash, and luxury goods. The $10M bounty is a call for whistleblowers to spill the tea and help dismantle these networks from the inside out.

Hezbollah, labeled a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) and Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), uses its cash to bankroll attacks, arm militias, and bully Lebanon’s government. By cutting off their funds, the U.S. is trying to weaken their grip, protect Lebanon from Iran’s influence, and stabilize the region after the intense Israel-Hezbollah clashes of late 2024.

This is more than just sanctions—it’s a full-on assault on Hezbollah’s lifeline as part of a broader U.S. mission to crush terrorist financing. Spokesperson Tammy Bruce says the U.S. is pulling out all the stops, while envoy Morgan Ortagus is pushing Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah. These moves tie into global efforts, like recent sanctions on Mexico’s Cartel del Noreste, to shut down terror cash flows worldwide.

By targeting Hezbollah’s wallet, the U.S. is hitting where it hurts, aiming to stop them from rearming and reigniting conflicts. It’s a bold step toward freeing Lebanon from Hezbollah’s shadow and curbing Iran’s chaos in the Middle East. Want the full scoop? Check out Hezbollah Finance Network Targeted: U.S. Freezes $10M in Terror Funding Operations.

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whistleblowerprogram · 1 month ago

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Understanding FinCEN’s Whistleblower Program: A Tool to Combat Financial Crime

FinCEN’s Whistleblower Program, administered by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), is a critical initiative designed to combat financial crimes such as money laundering, fraud, and sanctions evasion. Established under the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AML Act) of 2020, this program incentivizes individuals to report violations of the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) by offering financial rewards and protections against retaliation. By encouraging whistleblowers to come forward FinCEN’s Whistleblower Programstrengthens the U.S. government’s ability to detect and prevent illicit financial activities.

In this article, we’ll explore the key aspects of FinCEN’s Whistleblower Program, its benefits, eligibility criteria, and its impact on financial transparency. Whether you’re a potential whistleblower or simply curious about anti-money laundering efforts, this guide provides a comprehensive overview.

What Is FinCEN’s Whistleblower Program?

FinCEN, a bureau of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, oversees the enforcement of the BSA, which requires financial institutions to report suspicious activities that may indicate money laundering or other financial crimes. FinCEN’s Whistleblower Program, launched to enhance these efforts, encourages individuals to report credible information about BSA violations or related financial misconduct. The program offers monetary awards—ranging from 10% to 30% of penalties collected in enforcement actions exceeding $1 million—as well as protections to safeguard whistleblowers from workplace retaliation.

Since its inception, FinCEN’s Whistleblower Program has received significant attention, with over 270 unique tips reported by May 2024, many of which have been described as “highly actionable.” This demonstrates the program’s effectiveness in uncovering financial crimes that might otherwise go undetected.

Why FinCEN’s Whistleblower Program Matters

Financial crimes, including money laundering and sanctions evasion, pose significant threats to the integrity of the global financial system. FinCEN’s Whistleblower Program plays a pivotal role by empowering insiders—such as employees of banks, casinos, or other financial institutions—to report suspicious activities. These reports can lead to investigations that dismantle criminal networks, recover illicit funds, and hold wrongdoers accountable.

The program’s importance extends beyond enforcement. By fostering a culture of transparency, FinCEN’s Whistleblower Program encourages ethical behavior within financial institutions and deters potential misconduct. For whistleblowers, the promise of financial rewards and legal protections provides a compelling incentive to act in the public interest.

Eligibility for FinCEN’s Whistleblower Program

To qualify for rewards under FinCEN’s Whistleblower Program, individuals must meet specific criteria:

Voluntary Disclosure: Whistleblowers must provide information voluntarily, before any government inquiry or obligation to report arises.

Original Information: The information must be non-public, derived from the whistleblower’s independent knowledge or analysis, and not already known to FinCEN or the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Significant Impact: The tip must lead to a successful enforcement action with monetary sanctions exceeding $1 million.

Compliance with Procedures: Whistleblowers must submit their claims directly to FinCEN or the DOJ, following established reporting guidelines.

Both U.S. and international whistleblowers are eligible, making the program a global tool for combating financial crime. However, individuals who participated in the reported misconduct or obtained information through privileged communications (e.g., attorneys) may not qualify.

How to Report Under FinCEN’s Whistleblower Program

Reporting under FinCEN’s Whistleblower Program is straightforward but requires careful adherence to guidelines. Whistleblowers can submit tips anonymously through legal counsel, ensuring confidentiality. The process typically involves:

Gathering Evidence: Collect detailed, credible evidence of BSA violations or related crimes, such as suspicious transactions or sanctions evasion.

Submitting a Tip: File a report through FinCEN’s official whistleblower portal or via the DOJ, ensuring all required documentation is included.

Awaiting Review: FinCEN’s Office of the Whistleblower, established to handle these reports, evaluates tips for actionability.

Potential Award: If the tip leads to an enforcement action with significant penalties, the whistleblower may receive a portion of the recovered funds.

Whistleblowers are advised to consult legal counsel to navigate the process and protect their rights, especially given the potential for retaliation from employers.

Recent Developments in FinCEN’s Whistleblower Program

Since its launch, FinCEN’s Whistleblower Program has undergone enhancements to improve its effectiveness. In 2022, FinCEN established the Office of the Whistleblower to streamline tip processing and coordination with other agencies. Recent updates have focused on clarifying eligibility criteria and expanding outreach to potential whistleblowers. These improvements have made the program more accessible and effective in combating financial crime.

By May 2024, the program had received over 270 tips, indicating strong public engagement. FinCEN continues to hire personnel to support the program, ensuring timely and thorough investigations. These developments underscore the agency’s commitment to leveraging whistleblower insights to protect the financial system.

Benefits and Protections for Whistleblowers

FinCEN’s Whistleblower Program offers several benefits:

Financial Rewards: Eligible whistleblowers can receive 10–30% of penalties collected in successful enforcement actions.

Anti-Retaliation Protections: The program safeguards whistleblowers from job loss, demotion, or other forms of retaliation.

Confidentiality: Whistleblowers can report anonymously, protecting their identity during investigations.

These incentives make FinCEN’s Whistleblower Program an attractive option for individuals with knowledge of financial misconduct.

Challenges and Considerations

While FinCEN’s Whistleblower Program is a powerful tool, potential whistleblowers should be aware of challenges. The process requires detailed evidence and adherence to strict reporting guidelines. Additionally, not all tips lead to enforcement actions, and awards are contingent on successful outcomes. Consulting an experienced whistleblower attorney can help navigate these complexities and maximize the chances of a successful claim.

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FinCEN’s Whistleblower Program is a cornerstone of the U.S. government’s efforts to combat financial crime. By incentivizing and protecting whistleblowers, the program uncovers critical information that strengthens financial oversight and deters illicit activities. Whether you’re an insider with knowledge of BSA violations or simply interested in anti-money laundering efforts, understanding FinCEN’s Whistleblower Program is essential. For more information or to report a tip, visit FinCEN’s official website or consult legal counsel to ensure compliance with program requirements.

#FinCEN whistleblower #JD Supra FinCEN whistleblower #FinCEN’s whistleblower program JD Supra #Youtube

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lanabriggs · 3 months ago

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Promoting Psychological Safety at Work. Why It Matters and How to Make It Real

Psychological safety — feeling secure enough at work to speak up, ask questions, offer ideas, or admit mistakes without fear of judgment or negative consequences — is increasingly recognized as a key driver of high-performing teams. In today’s workforce, where collaboration often spans across functions, geographies, and hybrid environments, fostering this type of safety is no longer a side initiative — it’s foundational to innovation and employee well-being.

Why It’s Essential in Today’s Business Environment.

Hybrid work models, increasing workforce diversity, and the pressure to innovate have all changed the nature of team interactions. Employees today want to feel that their contributions matter, even when working remotely. This expectation has made psychological safety a topic that leaders can no longer afford to overlook.

Teams that lack psychological safety tend to fall into patterns of silence or avoidance, which limits honest feedback and stifles creativity. On the other hand, when employees feel safe, they are far more willing to take initiative, challenge assumptions, and contribute to broader organizational goals.

Practical Ways to Promote Psychological Safety.

1. Model Transparent Leadership.

Leaders need to set the tone by openly admitting when they don’t have all the answers, and by welcoming input regardless of an employee’s seniority. When leaders normalize uncertainty and curiosity, it creates an environment where employees feel empowered to speak candidly.

2. Facilitate Open Dialogue Regularly.

Create intentional spaces for employees to express concerns, reflect on group decisions, and offer feedback. This can be accomplished through regular check-ins, anonymous surveys, or structured team retrospectives where all voices are heard.

3. Create Safe Feedback Channels.

Psychological safety isn’t about agreeing with leadership — it’s about creating a framework where dissent is respectful and constructive. Anonymous feedback tools and whistleblower protections are formal ways to support this. Informal methods, like skip-level meetings or feedback office hours, can also encourage openness.

4. Acknowledge Input Without Penalizing Risk.

Teams should be rewarded for thoughtful risk-taking — even when results don’t work out as expected. Reinforce behaviors that demonstrate initiative, and make it clear that setbacks are viewed as learning opportunities, not grounds for criticism.

5. Integrate Mental Health Resources Into Culture.

Support systems such as mental health days, confidential therapy sessions, and manager training on psychological safety topics help normalize conversations around emotional well-being. According to Deloitte’s 2024 Mental Health in the Workplace survey, companies that invest in such programs see improved retention and employee satisfaction.

6. Train Managers to Recognize Signals.

Psychological safety isn’t always verbal. Body language, reduced participation in meetings, or avoidance of accountability can signal fear or disengagement. Equip managers to spot these signs early and respond with empathy rather than pressure.

Eric Hannelius, CEO of Pepper Pay, speaks directly to the responsibility of leadership in fostering psychological safety: “It’s not enough to say you want transparency — leaders have to show it through their actions. Every time an employee shares a concern or admits a mistake, how leadership responds sets the tone for the entire culture. If that response is respectful and focused on progress, it builds trust across the board.”

“A safe workplace is one where people can bring their full selves to the job, speak without fear, and know they’re being heard. That’s the kind of environment where innovation happens organically,” Eric Hannelius adds.

In workplaces where psychological safety is prioritized, employees tend to be more committed, collaborative, and resilient in the face of challenges. Promoting this environment takes more than a single workshop — it requires continuous leadership engagement, a willingness to listen, and a workplace culture that sees vulnerability not as weakness, but as a path to growth. As companies compete for top talent and navigate constant change, psychological safety is no longer a “soft skill” benefit — it’s a strategic necessity for long-term success.

#business #startup #finance #entrepreneur

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lexlawuk · 3 months ago

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UK Introduces Tax Avoidance Whistleblower Scheme

In a significant move to bolster its anti-fraud enforcement and crack down on tax avoidance and tax evasion, the United Kingdom has announced the launch of a new whistleblower reward scheme. This groundbreaking initiative, overseen by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), is modeled after the highly successful tax whistleblower program in the United States, offering substantial financial incentives for…

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forgettingcurve · 4 months ago

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Establishing Safe & Effective Monitoring/Reporting Mechanisms for a Strong Compliance Program

Ensuring organizational integrity and compliance with legal and ethical standards is crucial for every business. A well-structured monitoring and reporting mechanism plays a vital role in detecting, preventing, and responding to compliance violations. To foster a culture of accountability, organizations must establish safe, reliable, and effective systems that allow employees and agents to report potential or actual breaches without fear of retaliation. Additionally, continuous monitoring, regular audits, and periodic evaluations strengthen compliance programs and reinforce adherence to laws and regulations.

The Importance of Safe & Effective Monitoring/Reporting Mechanisms

Encouraging a Culture of Accountability and Integrity

A robust compliance program thrives on an organizational culture that prioritizes accountability and integrity. Employees must be assured that reporting misconduct or seeking guidance will not lead to any form of retaliation. Providing multiple, accessible channels for reporting, such as hotlines, anonymous web portals, and direct communication with compliance officers, fosters trust and openness within the workforce.

An effective reporting mechanism should be:

Confidential: Employees must have the option to report anonymously without fear of exposure or retaliation.

Accessible: The reporting process should be simple, clear, and available in multiple languages and formats for inclusivity.

Responsive: Organizations must have well-defined procedures to investigate reports promptly and take appropriate action.

Educational: Employees should be continuously informed about the importance of compliance and their role in upholding it.

Whistleblower protection is an integral part of this mechanism. Employees are more likely to report violations when they are assured that their concerns will be taken seriously and that they will be protected from adverse consequences. Organizations should also reinforce positive reinforcement measures, such as rewards and recognition, for proactive compliance efforts.

The Role of Regular Monitoring and Audits

Effective compliance programs incorporate ongoing monitoring and audits to detect risks before they escalate. Monitoring refers to real-time tracking of compliance activities, while auditing involves periodic evaluations to ensure adherence to legal and regulatory standards.

Key components of a monitoring and auditing system include:

Data Analytics & AI Integration: Leveraging technology to detect patterns, anomalies, or irregularities in business operations.

Regular Compliance Training: Ensuring that employees stay updated on new laws, policies, and ethical expectations.

Third-Party Audits: Engaging external auditors to conduct impartial reviews and assessments of compliance processes.

Feedback Mechanisms: Encouraging employees to provide feedback on the compliance program’s effectiveness to identify areas for improvement.

A comprehensive monitoring and auditing strategy provides early warning signals, mitigating risks before they cause significant damage to the organization.

How Microlearning Strengthens Monitoring & Reporting Mechanisms

Microlearning, which delivers small, focused learning modules, is a powerful tool for reinforcing compliance culture within organizations. Short, engaging, and easily accessible, microlearning ensures that compliance knowledge is retained and applied in real-world situations.

Reinforcing the Importance of Reporting and Seeking Guidance

One of the key challenges in compliance training is ensuring that employees understand the importance of reporting potential violations and seeking guidance without hesitation. Traditional training methods often fail to engage employees, making them less likely to internalize crucial compliance principles. Microlearning, however, provides concise, scenario-based training that resonates with employees and encourages proactive reporting behaviors.

Examples of microlearning content for reinforcing compliance reporting include:

Scenario-Based Modules: Employees can engage with interactive stories that depict real-life compliance dilemmas and the right course of action.

Quick Refresher Videos: Short videos highlighting the steps for reporting misconduct and ensuring confidentiality.

Infographics & Gamified Quizzes: Visually appealing content that outlines the benefits of whistleblowing and the consequences of non-compliance.

Micro Podcasts & Case Studies: Real-world case studies of organizations that faced legal repercussions due to ineffective reporting mechanisms.

By incorporating these microlearning elements, organizations can consistently reinforce the message that compliance is a shared responsibility, empowering employees to take a proactive stance in monitoring and reporting violations.

Using Microlearning to Foster a Fearless Compliance Culture

Fear is one of the most significant barriers to effective compliance reporting. Employees may hesitate to report violations due to fear of retaliation, doubts about whether their concerns are valid, or uncertainty about the reporting process. Microlearning can help address these fears by providing continuous reassurance and emphasizing the significance of compliance at all levels of the organization.

Ways microlearning fosters a fearless compliance culture:

Highlighting Penalties & Rewards: Short, impactful modules that outline the penalties for compliance violations and the rewards for ethical behavior.

Creating Role-Based Content: Tailored microlearning modules addressing compliance challenges specific to different job roles.

Real-Time Notifications & Reinforcements: Regular, bite-sized compliance tips sent through mobile apps or emails to keep compliance principles fresh in employees' minds.

Leader-Led Microlearning Sessions: Short video messages from senior executives reinforcing the company’s commitment to ethical conduct.

When employees receive continuous reminders and encouragement through microlearning, they become more confident in their ability to detect, prevent, and report compliance issues without fear or hesitation.

Conclusion

A strong compliance program is built on a foundation of safe and effective monitoring and reporting mechanisms. Organizations must create an environment where employees feel empowered to report violations, seek guidance, and actively participate in compliance efforts. Regular monitoring and auditing further strengthen compliance programs by identifying risks early and ensuring adherence to regulations.

Microlearning plays a crucial role in reinforcing these compliance principles. By delivering engaging, digestible training content, microlearning ensures that employees internalize the importance of reporting misconduct, understand the procedures involved, and feel reassured about their protection against retaliation. Implementing microlearning strategies enhances organizational integrity, fosters a culture of accountability, and ultimately strengthens the overall compliance framework. In today’s rapidly evolving regulatory landscape, investing in innovative training solutions like microlearning is essential for sustaining a culture of ethical excellence.

#microlearning app #microlearning platform #micro learning platforms #micro learning apps #best microlearning platforms #microlearning tools #microlearning software #microlearning lms #free microlearning apps #best micro learning apps #best microlearning apps #microlearning companies #microlearning solutions #top microlearning platforms #benefits of microlearning

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microlearningspacedrepetition · 4 months ago

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Establishing Safe & Effective Monitoring/Reporting Mechanisms for a Strong Compliance Program