Law360, New York (February 16, 2012, 2:00 PM ET) -- Cartel detection and prosecution are top priorities for the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, regardless of which political party occupies the White House. Given the often secretive nature of cartels, however, they can be hard to detect. As such, the Antitrust Division relies on its Corporate Leniency Program to encourage self-reporting of cartel activity, by offering immunity and/or reduced sanctions.

Leniency programs worldwide have been instrumental in assisting antitrust authorities to detect, investigate and deter cartel activity by increasing cartel reporting. The Antitrust...