Program Overview
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 $80 million to more than 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.
