China is tempting its citizens to become whistleblowers, but the carrots offered are not as rich as what Nigeria has offered its citizens. While Nigeria has offered between 2.5 and 5 per cent of stolen money reported, the authorities in  Beijing, the Chinese capital has offered a flat $72,460 to its whistle blowers. The money is due to anyone who provides useful information on spies. The policy became effective today, 10 April.

Informants can pass information to authorities through calling a hotline, sending letters or visiting the city’s state security bureau. After collating the information, the bureau can offer rewards ranging from 10,000 yuan to 500,000 yuan based on the reports’ usefulness.

Personal information of informants will not be disclosed without their consent, and informants can also seek protection from security authorities if they or their close relatives are in danger due to informing.

However, informants will be punished if they deliberately slander others, or invent and spread false information.

NAN