practice, and only 32.2% report not fearing retaliation. 28F 29 In this context, by accessing expert advice, potential whistleblowers can better understand the legal protections available to them and the steps they can take to safeguard their identity and rights during the reporting process. This assurance would encourage more individuals to come forward without the paralyzing fear of reprisal. Furthermore, such a service would benefit not only the whistleblower but also the employer and the public at large. A responsible and well-informed reporting process is essential for all stakeholders. For the employer, it provides the opportunity to address the issue and promptly take corrective action, thus protecting the organization's reputation and integrity. For the public, it ensures that reports are made responsibly, minimizing the risk of unfounded allegations that can lead to turmoil. V. Whistleblower Reward Laws While awareness-raising and confidential advice services are effective ways to increase the number of reports on suspected corrupt acts or practices, some research suggests that whistleblower reward programmes are more effective in increasing the reporting quantity. Countries such as the US, Canada and South Korea have introduced reward programs that aim to increase the number of corruption cases reported. 29F 30 “Whistleblower reward programs” or“bounty regimes” provide financial incentives to witnesses that report information on violations that help authorities convict perpetrators and recover or limit the damage that they cause. 30F 31 Rewards may have a dual effect on the number of disclosures: firstly, by introducing a financial incentive, these programs tend to attract public attention, thereby prompting an increase in the count of individuals willing to step forward as whistleblowers. 31F 32 This increased visibility not only motivates potential whistleblowers but also creates a sense of collective responsibility within society to combat corruption. The promise of a potential reward provides a tangible benefit that encourages more individuals to come forward and share critical information that might otherwise have remained hidden. 29 Center for the Study of Democracy and Governance, Albanian Security Barometer 2022. https://csdgalbania.org/albanian-security-barometer-2022/. 30 They either come in the form of general bounty schemes or qui tam laws. Bounty schemes are simple cash­for-information programmes that reward whistleblowers whose information leads to successful prosecution a fixed sum of money. Qui tam laws allow the whistleblower(known as the relator) to bring a lawsuit on behalf of the government if fraud has been committed. The relator is then eligible for a portion of the recovered funds if successful. 31 Nyreröd, Theo and Giancarlo Spagnolo,(April 2018), Myths and Numbers on Whistleblower Rewards, Stockholm Institute of Transition Economics. 32 Caitlin Maslen, September 2018, Whistleblower Reward Programmes, Anti-Corruption Helpdesk, Transparency International. A KEY STEP IN EFFECTIVELY FIGHTING CORRUPTION | 8