Wastech fka WTCH

[ST James]

DEATH PENALTY SHOULD BE APPLIED TO CORPORATIONS THAT DEFRAUD GOVERNMENT, REPORT RECOMMENDS

The death penalty should be applied to corporations convicted of defrauding the federal government, according to a report released today.

The report ranks the top...settlements by amount of the settlement.

It also lists the whistleblower's share of the settlement -- if known.

The report calls on federal officials to seriously consider applying the corporate death penalty to companies convicted of defrauding the federal government.

"The federal government has the authority to prohibit corporations convicted of serious crimes...This debarment or exclusion authority is considered the equivalent of the death penalty...would effectively put them out of business."

The qui tam provisions...allow private individuals to sue companies that defraud the federal government and recover damages and penalties on the government's behalf.

Whistleblowers are entitled to 15 percent to 25 percent of the funds the government recovers as a result of the lawsuit when the government joins the case.

In each case...whistleblowers raked in more than $1 million.

Eight of the top ten settlements involved criminal plea agreements by the companies.