16 C.F.R. § 5.51

(a) The General Counsel or DAEO will make a preliminary determination of whether the matter warrants or requires the involvement of other agencies or authorities. If so, the General Counsel or DAEO will expeditiously transmit any available information to the agency's Inspector General or else to the Department of Justice or the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, as appropriate.

(b) When the employee or former employee involved is an attorney, the General Counsel will also determine whether the matter should be referred to the disciplinary committee of the bar(s) of which the attorney is a member.

(c) If the General Counsel or DAEO transmits information alleging a crime or severe misconduct to the Department of Justice, U.S. Office of Government Ethics, or bar disciplinary authority under paragraphs (a) or (b) of this section, the General Counsel or DAEO will also notify the agency's Inspector General.