Rewards for Justice: Paying Money to Fight Terrorism

The Rewards for Justice Program, administered by Bureau of Diplomatic Security, is a powerful weapon in the United State's arsenal against international terrorism. The program, which pays reward money for information about terrorists, was directly responsible for information that led the United States to Uday and Qusay Hussein, sons of Saddam Hussein. The two sons committed countless atrocities against the Iraqi people. The program also played a significant role in the arrest of international terrorist Ramzi Yousef, who was convicted in the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center.

Since the program's inception in 1984, the United States has paid more than $57 million to 43 informants. The information they provided helped put terrorists behind bars and prevented acts of international terrorism saving thousands of innocent lives around the world.

Through the program, the Secretary of State can offer rewards for information that prevents or favorably resolves acts of international terrorism against U.S. persons or property worldwide. The Secretary also may pay rewards for information leading to the arrest or conviction of terrorists attempting, committing, conspiring to commit, or aiding and abetting the commission of such acts. While rewards traditionally were for amounts less than $5 million, the USA Patriot Act of 2001 authorizes the Secretary to offer or pay rewards of greater than $5 million.

The Secretary can make the larger rewards if he determines that it is necessary to combat terrorism or defend the United States against terrorist acts. Secretary of State Colin Powell has authorized a reward of up to $25 million for information leading to the capture of Usama bin Laden and other key Al-Qaida leaders. One informant was paid $30 million for providing the information that led to the apprehension of Uday and Qusay Hussein ($15 million for each man).

Rewards for Justice campaigns are advertised internationally with posters, matchbox covers, newspaper ads, and their Web site www.rewardsforjustice.net. People with information on any past or planned act of international terrorism against the United States anywhere in the world are urged to contact the nearest FBI office, or the Bureau of Diplomatic Security via any one of the following avenues:

Internet: www.rewardsforjustice.net

Telephone: 1-800-877-3927 (works from some overseas locations)

Address:      Rewards for Justice
                   Washington, DC 20522-0303

In addition, people located outside of the United States may contact the regional security officer at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.