The Informant: The True Story Behind the Whistleblowing Corporate Spy

The Informant is a 2009 American biographical crime comedy film directed by Steven Soderbergh and starring Matt Damon as Mark Whitacre, a corporate executive who turned whistleblower and helped the FBI expose a price-fixing conspiracy at Archer Daniels Midland (ADM),one of the world's largest agricultural commodities companies.

The Informant: A True Story

by Kurt Eichenwald

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1043 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	653 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The film is based on the true story of Whitacre, who was a high-ranking executive at ADM in the early 1990s. In 1992, he approached the FBI and offered to provide them with information about illegal activities at the company. Over the next several years, Whitacre secretly recorded conversations with ADM employees and executives, and provided the FBI with evidence of price-fixing, bid rigging, and other anti-competitive practices.

The FBI's investigation led to the indictment of ADM and several of its executives. The company was eventually fined $100 million and several executives were sentenced to prison. Whitacre's cooperation with the FBI also led to his own indictment on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice. He was sentenced to nine months in prison.

The Informant received positive reviews from critics, who praised Damon's performance and Soderbergh's direction. The film was also a moderate success at the box office, grossing over $30 million worldwide.

The True Story of Mark Whitacre

Mark Whitacre was born in 1957 in Joliet, Illinois. He earned a degree in chemical engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and an MBA from Northwestern University. After graduating from business school, Whitacre joined ADM in 1980.

Whitacre quickly rose through the ranks at ADM, becoming a vice president in 1989. He was responsible for the company's lysine division, which produced an amino acid used in animal feed. In 1992, Whitacre began to suspect that ADM was engaged in illegal activities. He approached the FBI and offered to provide them with information about the company.

Over the next several years, Whitacre secretly recorded conversations with ADM employees and executives. He also provided the FBI with documents that showed evidence of price-fixing, bid rigging, and other anti-competitive practices.

The FBI's investigation led to the indictment of ADM and several of its executives. The company was eventually fined $100 million and several executives were sentenced to prison. Whitacre's cooperation with the FBI also led to his own indictment on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice. He was sentenced to nine months in prison.

After his release from prison, Whitacre worked as a consultant and author. He also spoke out about the importance of whistleblowing and corporate accountability.

The Informant as a Film

The Informant is a fascinating and complex film that tells the true story of Mark Whitacre. Matt Damon gives an excellent performance as Whitacre, and Steven Soderbergh's direction is sharp and insightful.

The film does a good job of capturing the complexities of Whitacre's character. He is a flawed man who makes a lot of mistakes, but he is also someone who is ultimately driven by a desire to do the right thing.

The film also provides a damning indictment of corporate greed and corruption. It shows how companies like ADM can use their power to manipulate the market and harm consumers.

The Informant is a thought-provoking and entertaining film that is sure to stay with you long after you've seen it.

The Legacy of Mark Whitacre

Mark Whitacre's whistleblowing helped to expose a major corporate conspiracy and led to the indictment of several executives. He also helped to raise awareness of the importance of whistleblowing and corporate accountability.

Whitacre's story is a reminder that even one person can make a difference. He is an inspiration to all those who are willing to stand up for what they believe in.

The Informant is a powerful and important film that tells the true story of a corporate whistleblower. It is a film that will stay with you long after you've seen it.

If you are interested in learning more about the story of Mark Whitacre, I recommend reading his book, The Whistleblower: My Journey to Uncover Corporate Fraud.

I also recommend watching the documentary film, The Corporation, which provides a broader look at the issue of corporate greed and corruption.

The Informant: A True Story

by Kurt Eichenwald

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1043 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	653 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE