Rewards for Justice Program

The Rewards for Justice Program is one of the most valuable assets the U.S. Government has in the fight against international terrorism. Established by the 1984 Act to Combat International Terrorism, P.L. 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 may offer rewards of up to $5 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, 2001, authorizes the Secretary to offer or pay rewards of greater than $5 million if he determines that a greater amount is necessary to combat terrorism or to defend the United States against terrorist acts. Secretary 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. 

The Rewards for Justice Program has been effective. Since the program began, the United States has paid over $57 million to 43 people who provided credible 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. It was most recently instrumental in leading U.S. military forces in Iraq to the location of Uday and Qusay Hussein. 

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)

Mail:                 Rewards for Justice

                          Washington , DC 20522-0303 USA

In addition, people located overseas may contact the regional security officer at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. People with information in Iraq should contact the Office of the Administrator of the Coalition Provisional Authority or any U.S. military commander.

Terrorism threatens the security of all people, and our determination to fight it is greater than ever. The United States has tracked terrorists aggressively and made them pay for their crimes. Through this program, thousands of innocent lives around the world have been saved through the prevention of terrorist attacks.  Without question, the Rewards for Justice Program is a formidable weapon in the U.S. arsenal to combat the threat of international terrorism.