Rewards for Justice Program
The Rewards for Justice program has paid more than $77 million to over 50 people who provided information that prevented international terrorist attacks or helped bring to justice those involved in prior acts.
The Rewards for Justice program continues to be one of the most valuable U.S. Government assets in the fight against international terrorism. Established by the 1984 Act to Combat International Terrorism, Public Law 98-533, the Program is administered by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security.
Under this program, the Secretary of State is currently offering rewards of up to $25 million for information that prevents or favorably resolves acts of international terrorism against U.S. persons or property worldwide. Rewards also may be paid for information leading to the arrest or conviction of terrorists attempting, committing, conspiring to commit, or aiding and abetting in the commission of such acts.
The USA Patriot Act of 2001, which became law on October 26, authorizes the Secretary to offer or pay rewards of greater than $5 million if he/she determines that a greater amount is necessary to combat terrorism or to defend the United States against terrorist acts. Secretary Powell authorized a reward of up to $25 million for information leading to the capture of Usama bin Ladin and other key al-Qa’ida leaders.
Since the inception of the Rewards for Justice program in 1984, the United States Government has paid over $77 million to over 50 people who provided actionable information that put terrorists behind bars or prevented acts of international terrorism worldwide. The program played a significant role in the arrest of international terrorist Ramzi Yousef, who was convicted in the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center.
While the law governing the Rewards for Justice program is aimed at terrorism directed against Americans, the United States shares information with other nations whose citizens are at risk. Every government and every citizen has a stake in bringing terrorists to justice and in preventing acts of terrorism.
As a result of information received, the following individuals, among many others, have been brought to justice:
Uday Hussein
Qusay Hussein
Ramzi Ahmed Yousef
Mir Aimal Kansi
Hamsiraji Marusi Sali
Toting Craft Hanno
Muhsin Khadr al-Khafaji
Khamis Sirhan al-Muhammad
Muhammad Zimam Abd al-Razzaq al-Sadun
Khadaffy Janjalani
Abu Solaiman
Edgar Navarro
Brave individuals willing to step forth with information have also assisted in preventing and resolving terrorist attacks:
• During the Persian Gulf War, a brave informant in an East Asian country came forward with alarming information about a series of planned terrorist attacks. The terrorists had already surveyed their intended targets and had assembled automatic weapons, grenades, and explosives. Just 48 hours before the first of these planned attacks, this informant provided information that was essential in thwarting the terrorists' plan. The attack was stopped, the young man received a significant reward, and his family was relocated to a safe place. By providing this information, the individual saved hundreds of lives.
• In another case, a young woman came forward with information regarding individuals who hijacked an airliner and brutally beat the passengers on board. She stated that she "felt strongly about justice being done." The leader of the hijackers was returned to the U.S. and is imprisoned on air piracy charges. The young woman received a reward for her efforts to fight terrorism.
• Another young woman, a student at a foreign university, witnessed the brutal assassination of a U.S. diplomat. As a result of the information she provided, two attackers were sentenced to life imprisonment. The student and her family were relocated to a safe place and received a significant reward.