Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent issued a public call Monday for whistleblowers to report information on individuals and entities helping Iran evade U.S. sanctions, announcing the next phase of an effort called “Operation Economic Outcast.”
In a tweet, Bessent wrote that Treasury launched the operation “to cut off all financial lifelines to the Iranian regime and its enablers,” and said that’s “why I issued a new call for whistleblowers to come forward with tips about those who facilitate Iran’s terror.”
To anyone worldwide with information on these lifelines: This is your chance. If you have actionable information for Treasury, you may be eligible for an award, no matter where you live or who signs your paycheck. If you see something, say something.
The appeal is open to anyone worldwide with relevant information, not just U.S. citizens or residents. Bessent said those who provide actionable tips to Treasury may be eligible for an award regardless of where they live or who employs them.
The call taps into Treasury’s existing whistleblower program, which allows people to report suspected fraud, money laundering, and sanctions violations. Participants in that program are offered legal protections and the possibility of financial rewards.
Months of Sanctions Actions
Monday’s announcement builds on months of Treasury action against the financial networks that keep Iran’s economy running despite sanctions. Officials have targeted banks, cryptocurrency operations, front companies, oil brokers, and shipping networks used by Tehran to move money and evade restrictions.
Treasury has already sanctioned banks accused of supplying financial lifelines to the Iranian government, along with 36 companies and intermediaries supporting Iran’s aviation sector. The new whistleblower push suggests the department intends to widen that effort by relying on tips from people with direct knowledge of these networks.
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