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1811 News
Check this section out for news updates, articles, reports & videos pertaining to the 1811 Criminal Investigator/Special Agent profession.
Undercover ATF Agent Survives Ambush
8/30/23 - New Orleans, LA
An
Undercover Special Agent working for the
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) was in the middle of an undercover operation with suspects, when he faced an armed robbery. The Special Agent was forced to flea for his life and jumped from a third story balcony. A Cover Team of Special Agents responded to his aid and 9+ suspects have been arrested.
Read More
Special Agent Killed During Training
EOW - August 17, 2023
While conducting firearms training in Phoenix, AZ, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigation (CI), Special Agent Patrick Bauer was shot and killed. The details of the incident are still pending an investigation by the FBI. SA Bauer was also a retired Master Sergeant in the Arizona National Guard.
On July 19, 2023, IRS Criminal Investigation Supervisory Special Agent Greg Shapley and Special Agent Joe Zeigler provided required testimony in front of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee. Their joint testimony revealed that the Justice Department "slow-rolled" the Hunter Biden investigation. 1811 Criminal Investigators are career civil service government employees and do not work for any single political party.
Donald Trump Investigations
Regardless of your political affiliations, it cannot go unnoticed that former president Donald Trump is now facing three separate indictments as a direct result of two investigations completed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation as follows:
- "January 6th Insurrection" Case
- "Classified Documents" Case
The third investigation, aka "Hush Money" Case was charged in New York State Court (although it has references to an FBI investigation).
Robert Hanssen Dies in Prison
Disgraced former FBI Special Agent Robert Hanssen died in his prison cell on June 5, 2023. Hanssen, who sold secrets to Russia, was one of the most damaging spies in U.S. History and his betrayal resulted in the death of several human intelligence sources. His arrest in 2001 came after one of the most extensive mole hunts in FBI history.
Read more Robert Hanssen in the FBI Profiles Section.
A Profile in History
Terrorism Website Investigation
Although many Special Agents are involved in "counter-terrorism" type programs, in reality an extremely small minority of criminal investigators are ever in a position to conduct terrorism related investigations and an even smaller subset of cases ever result in successful convictions.
For this reason, this profile gives special recognition to retired Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent Craig Bowling for his heroic efforts in a 13 year post 9/11 investigation that took down an Al Qaeda linked website ("Azzam") and led to three federal convictions, including a former U.S. Navy Sailor and two British Nationals.
The Alpha Bay Investigation
The notorious "Alpha02" oversaw millions of dollars a day in online narcotics sales. For cybercrime investigators, he was public enemy number one - and a total international mystery.
The Betrayal
Legendary undercover special agent Robert Mazur brings another story to life with his new book. "On US soil, drug money in route to Mazur was seized. He started to notice an unsettling shift in the cartel’s inner circle. Contacts were being assassinated, and Mazur was being tailed. His identity had been compromised." Watch this intro. by Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad).
Rafael Caro Quintero - Captured
One of the last leaders of the cartel responsible for the kidnapping, torture and murder of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena, was finally captured after being a fugitive for almost ten years. An extradition to the US is now pending. I hope all future 1811s learn about the story of SA Camarena.
53 Smuggled Migrants Killed
As a result of the ongoing surge at the border, Mexican cartels have demonstrated their willingness to routinely let people die. HSI has now arrested at least four suspects that are connected to the deaths of 53 migrants found dead in a semi-truck.
Texas School Shooting
5/24/22: Initial reports indicate nineteen children and two adults were murdered during an active shooter at Rob Elementary School (Uvalde, TX). Considered a "border town," it is home to a large continent of HSI and FBI special agents; in addition to uniformed Border Patrol and CBP OFO Officers. FBI, HSI, DEA and ATF special agents responded to the scene and a uniformed Border Patrol Officer killed the shooter. Read More
Mexico stops DEA Cooperation
Reuters just confirmed that the Government of Mexico has forced DEA to relocate its surveillance aircraft back to the United States, effectively slamming shut the lid on cooperating in narcotics investigations. This is in addition to closing the elite vetted Mexican police units trained by DEA. This new era in U.S. and Mexico law enforcement relations drastically increases the power of drug cartels.
Repatriation of Historical Artifacts
The return of cultural antiquities to their countries of origin often result in significant diplomatic goodwill. This legacy mission is one that Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) does with significant internal pride and is often in partnership with the Smithsonian.
Sextortion
2022 Documentary
This new film offers a glimpse into the world of online grooming and "sextortion," a crime impacting thousands of children. Learn to identify the tactics of online predators and observe cases run by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
February 8, 2022, Washington, DC Cyber Crimes, Financial Crimes
"WASHINGTON — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) contributed to an investigation resulting in the arrest of two individuals this morning in Manhattan for an alleged conspiracy to launder cryptocurrency that was stolen during the 2016 hack of Bitfinex, a virtual currency exchange, presently valued at approximately $4.5 billion. Thus far, law enforcement has seized over $3.6 billion in cryptocurrency linked to that hack.
The investigation was led by HSI-New York, IRS-CI Washington, D.C. Field Office’s Cyber Crimes Unit and the FBI’s Chicago Field Office. The Ansbach Police Department in Germany provided assistance during this investigation."
Two Arrested for Alleged Conspiracy to Launder $4.5 Billion in Stolen Cryptocurrency
"Two individuals were arrested this morning in Manhattan for an alleged conspiracy to launder cryptocurrency that was stolen during the 2016 hack of Bitfinex, a virtual currency exchange, presently valued at approximately $4.5 billion. Thus far, law enforcement has seized over $3.6 billion in cryptocurrency linked to that hack."
Serial Killers in Medical Field
Retired Special Agent Bruce Sackman worked for the Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Inspector General (OIG). His investigations uncovered several medical serial killers in the VA hospital system, including Michael Swango. This is fantastic casework by a top notch investigator and a great read for those interested.
Seizure of Iranian Weapons
An HSI led counter-proliferation investigation resulted in the seizure of two large caches of Iranian arms, including 171 surface-to-air missiles and 8 anti-tank missiles, in addition to approximately 1.1 million barrels of Iranian petroleum products. This is part of joint HSI / FBI investigations that have resulted in the seizure of four Iranian Oil Tanks.
Operation Blue Shame
A massive public corruption investigation led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), known as Operation Blue Shame, continues to result in indictments and spinoff cases.
HSI Still Wants To Leave ICE
12/28/21: A new article in the Washington Post details ongoing problems faced by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agents due to their association with the ICE civil immigration mission performed by Enforcement & Removal Operations (ERO). A review on HSI completed by the Center for a New American Security echoed similar concerns. If you recall, in 2018 19 Special Agents in Charge wrote a letter to the DHS Secretary requesting HSI be re-organized as a stand alone 1811 agency, similar to the Secret Service, FBI, DEA, ATF, etc. As the second largest criminal investigative service in the nation, its continued existence within an agency associated primarily to civil deportations continues to be operationally troublesome.
In History
RESMURS Case
In 1975, FBI Special Agents Jack Coler and Ronald Williams were murdered at the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation (South Dakota), while attempting to arrest a dangerous felon. Internally known as the Reservation Murders (RESMURS), details about the incident can be found at: RESMURS Webpage.
Josh Duggar Guilty - HSI Case
Reality TV star Josh Duggar, who appeared on "19 Kids and Counting," has been found guilty of federal child pornography charges, pursuant to an investigation led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
NCIS Eddie Gallagher Case
After being identified by his own SEAL Teammates as a reckless leader who routinely shot innocent civilians, including children, a subsequent Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) led investigation resulted in a Court Martial and national controversy. A new documentary on Apple+, The Line, now reveals full details for all to see and personally judge.
HELPER Act
Affordable Housing Crisis
The Homes for Every Local Provider, Educator, and Responder (HELPER) Act would establish a new, one-time home loan program for law enforcement officers, firefighters, medical first responders, and teachers. It could be a vital tool for retention in high cost of living areas. The HELPER Act is a Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA) initiative. All current & future law enforcement officers should care about this potential benefit.
Operation Blooming Onion
Over 24 defendants were indicted and more than 100 victims of labor trafficking were rescued in Savannah, Georgia. A multi-year joint investigation led by ICE - Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) revealed a human smuggling organization that illegally smuggled Mexican and Central American workers into brutal "slave-like" conditions on South Georgia farms.
"Hot" Secret Service Agent
Apparently this young Secret Service Special Agent became "viral" on social media for being handsome. He is now actually a "mainstream" media feel good story. Good for him! The U.S. Secret Service is a fantastic place to start off your career as a Criminal Investigator.

Army CID
Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID) is a military criminal investigative organization that has a range of responsibilities, to include felony level cases and protective service operations. This is a great career field for non-commissioned officers and civilians. Army CID focuses exclusively on criminal investigations. Watch Video
Child Pornography Case
11/11/21: A federal child pornography investigation led by HSI Special Agents led to the discovery of 11,000 illegal images and a 17 year sentence for the defendant. The suspect sold child pornography images to others, some involving the sexaul assault of toddlers. Combatting child pornograhy is one of the most important HSI missions. Read More
U.S. Marshals Service Shooting
Phoenix 11/12/21: A murder and rape fugitive was shot and killed during his apprehension by the U.S. Marshals Service.
The U.S. Marshals led Task Force often includes a mix of federal, state and local law enforcement officers. Due to their fugitive mission, violent incidents are not uncommon and they are often called upon to seek the most dangerous criminals at large.
Export Enforcement
Coordination Center
Established in 2012, the Export Enforcement Coordination Center or E2C2, was established as an inter-agency deconfliction and information sharing center. Primarily staffed by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and Office of Export Enforcement (OEE), this coalition of 18+ law enforcement and intelligence agencies serves to prevent the illegal export of military and sensitive technologies to adversaries such as China. Read More
Jamie Zapata & Victor Avila
Federal Officers and Employees Protection Act
lhe Law Enforcement and Federal Employee Protection Act is name in honor of two Homeland Security Investigations special agents targeted by the Los Zetas drug cartel in 2011. Cartel members were convicted of the attempted murder but a 2020 District of Columbia Circuit Court vacated the convictions finding the statutes outlawing the murder and attempting murder did not apply outside the U.S. This resulted in a circuit split on the issue.
The legislation covers several statutes relating to the assault, intimidation, kidnapping, or murder, of federal employees and clarifies the statutes can extend to federal employees serving abroad. The bill was signed into law in November 2021.
Navy Espionage
Nuclear Secrets
In October 2021, a criminal complaint filed by the Federal Bureau of Investigations in West Virginia resulted in the arrest of Jonathan Toebbe and his wife, Diana, for espionage related charges. Both had attempted to sell classified documents related to Navy nuclear submarines. An undercover operation exposed their activities and resulted in arrests.
Murder of DEA SA Mike Garbo
10/4/21: A DEA Special Agent Michael Garbo was killed in the line of duty due to gunfire during a drug interdiction operation on an Amtrak train in Tucson, AZ. A second DEA Special Agent and a Task Force Officer were also injured in the shooting.
A "Mike Garbo Memorial Fund" has been setup for his family. Additionally, The DEA Survivors Benefit Fund and Tunnels to Towers Foundation are routinely involved in dispersing benefits during such unfortunate events.
From all accounts, SA Garbo was an amazing man and a dedicated Special Agent. A memorial slideshow can be accessed via the link below and will be permanently posted in his memory.
CID Civilian Director
For the first time in its history, Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID) will be led by a Civilian Director. This follows the recommendations in the Fort Hood Report and sets the stage for a higher ratio of civilian criminal investigators to military special agents. Read Official Release
DEA Special Agent Killed
10/4/21: A DEA Special Agent (Group Supervisor Mike Garbo) was killed in the line of duty due to gunfire during a drug interdiction operation on an Amtrak train in Tucson, AZ. A second DEA Special Agent and a Task Force Officer were also injured in the shooting. See Memorial Fund
More information will be released as the investigation continues. Tragically, this event occurred one day prior to the start of DEA's Red Ribbon Rally, which is in honor of SA Kiki Camarena.
Killer High
In 2020, the United States had an estimated 93,331 drug overdose deaths, mostly related to the proliferation of the synthetic opioid fentanyl. This new ABC documentary focuses on crisis in Fresno, CA. To put in perspective, this is a 30% increase in overdose deaths from 2019.
It is this unprecedented national drug abuse problem that has led to a vicious cycle of homelessness and crime. This documentary focuses on the federal law enforcement efforts to disrupt and dismantle criminal organizations profiting from death.
Learn more about ATF
Check out these external links to podcasts and videos to learn more about the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, firearms & Explosives (ATF) history and their contributions to fighting crime.
"R. Kelly" Guilty - HSI Investigation
9/27/21: A child sex trafficking case led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) has resulted in a guilty verdict against former R&B singer Robert S. Kelly. The investigation uncovered sexual exploitation of minors, forced labor, coercion and transportation for the purposes of illegal sex activity.
Special Agent Involved Shootings
9/14/21: Within the past 24 hours, Special Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have been involved in life threatening shooting incidents. Click on below images to learn more.
$31 Million Frankenstein Coupon Fraud
A massive multi-million dollar fraud scheme involving counterfeit coupons was uncovered by Postal Inspectors from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The defendant (Lori Ann Talens) was sentenced to 12 years in prison. FBI also provided investigative assistance to this USPIS led case.
Protecting Native American Culture
Special Agents from the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement, are uniquely involved in the protection of the Native American economy and related traditions. Read More
Special Agents on 9/11
The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, required the response of thousands of law enforcement officers, to include Special Agents of virtually every major federal law enforcement agency. From the response to the Pentagon by military criminal investigative organizations (i.e. OSI, DCIS, NCIS, Army CID) to supporting the FBI led investigation by ATF, Legacy INS & Customs (Now HSI), Secret Service, DSS and DEA; all gave some but unfortunately some gave all. Several of the Special Agents that supported recovery efforts have since died due to 9/11 related cancer. Read More - 9/11 Memorial
BodyCams
ATF
Special Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms (ATF) have now started using body cameras during enforcement operations. The initial rollout appears to be in the Phoenix and Detroit Field Divisions. Other DOJ agencies will soon follow suit.
2021 Fall of Afghanistan
As Afghanistan descends into chaos and is overrun by Taliban insurgents, Special Agents are providing crucial assistance behind the scenes. From evacuating Embassy Staff (Diplomatic Security Service), vetting inbound refugees (Homeland Security Investigations) or helping secure the Kabul Airfield (Office of Special Investigations); these unknown 1811s are doing the best they can under the circumstances. Read More - ABC News
Haiti President Assassinated
Following a commando style operation, the President of Haiti was assassinated at his secure residence by Colombian Nationals, throwing the nation into chaos.
In response, the U.S. has dispatched Criminal Investigators from the Department of Homeland Security & the Department of Justice to provide investigative assistance.
Diplomatic Security Service - 2021 Olympics
The Special Agents of the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) have a prominent and vital role in ensuring the safety and security of U.S. Olympic athletes during this international event.
5,000 Lbs of Meth & 127 Lbs of Fentanyl Seized
8/6/21: An Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) led case resulted in a border search of an incoming tractor trailer and one of the largest narcotics seizures in U.S. history.
HSI Special Agents routinely use their border inspection authority during cross-border narcotics investigations and are well versed in controlled delivery techniques.
Hobby Lobby Affair
In an amazing recovery of archaeological treasure, an HSI led investigation led to the discovery of 5,500 stolen Iraqi artifacts that were illegally purchased and imported by Hobby Lobby for $1.6 Million. In 2021, the artifacts were repatriated by ICE-HSI after a $3 million fine was imposed on Hobby Lobby.
FBI Special Agent Shot
7/14/21: A man was killed and an FBI special agent was wounded during a shooting Wednesday morning in northeast Albuquerque. According to officials, FBI agents were serving a warrant during the incident.
Major Army CID Reorganization
2021: After the release of the Fort Hood Report, Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID) has approved a historical reorganization. CID will now be led by a civilian director, increase 1811 positions and add military officers with investigative training. Additionally, protective details will now be primarily staffed by military police personnel to reduce the staffing burden on Special Agents. Read More
40Lbs of Fentanyl & Heroin Seized
July 2021: An investigation led by the New York office of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) resulted in a massive seizure of 40lbs of fentanyl and heroin. To put in context, even microscopic amounts of fentanyl can cause fatal overdoses. The investigation also resulted in the indictments of three major traffickers and resulted in a multimillion dollar disruption in the Bronx. Watch News
Iran Kidnap Plot Foiled
The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) announced indictments against four Iranian intelligence officers for a shocking plot to kidnap American journalist Masih Alinejad in New York. A fifth participant was arrested in California. The Iranian operatives had used private security to surveil Alinejad and previously attempted to lure her to an overseas location for rendition.
FBI Task Force Officer Killed
7/7/21: FBI Task Force Officer Greg Ferency, who was a Detective with the Terre Haute Police Department, was fatally shot in the line of duty outside the FBI Indianapolis Resident Agency. The suspect in the shooting was shot by an FBI special agent and subsequently taken to a nearby hospital.
Two ATF Special Agents Shot
7/7/21: Two Special Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and an Chicago Police officer were shot and injured by gunfire. The three law enforcement officers were fired upon while conducting a joint investigation in an unmarked law enforcement vehicle. Details are currently being withheld in order to facilitate the manhunt for suspects.
FBI SA Shot
Jackson, Mississippi - 6/27/21
While assisting the Jackson Police Department with a targeted vehicle stop, an FBI Special Agent sustained non-life threatening injuries due to gunfire. The suspect subsequently fled the scene. The Special Agent was stabilized at the hospital.
DOJ - Bodycams
In a move that now aligns with public expectations, DOJ has directed its federal law enforcement agencies (i.e. DEA, FBI, ATF) to implement bodycam protocols for specific enforcement events. Special Agents will still normally conduct the majority of their investigative activity without body cams (due to confidentiality requirements) and this appears to be a natural evolution after Task Force Officers received approval.
Retired Navy Seal & HSI Special Agent
Retired Navy Seal & HSI Special Agent Hector Delgado shares his story in a podcast and is profiled in an article for his public service contributions. Former SA Hector now devotes his time by helping reduce active shooter incidents.
FBI Applicant with Hearing Loss Hired
Although it took applicant Nicole Lopez over four years to overcome the notorious FBI hiring bureaucracy; she managed to convince the suits that she was indeed "special agent material," despite her childhood hearing loss. The story of her path to the FBI is a tribute to her tenacity, courage and skills.
Zero Fail - 2021
Few authors have delved into the inner workings of a federal law enforcement agency like journalist Carol Leonning. Although she provides background on well known historical events; her analysis of the ongoing staffing crisis, low morale and mission creep is dead on and echoes the grumblings of line special agents. Unfortunately, USSS management is notorious for being tyrannical and demanding of overworked agents. At one point, Secret Service special agents were desperately seeking a merger with HSI in order to alleviate their operations tempo. Perhaps a structural change and true reform may arise from this publication.
FBI Shooting at CIA HQ
On May 3, 2021, a suspect approached a gate entrance at CIA HQ in McLean, VA and made statements indicating there was a bomb in his vehicle. Responding special agents from the FBI ended up shooting and killed the suspect. This follows another recent FBI shooting that occurred in December 2020. Read More.
Body found in Trunk by HSI
In April 2021, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agents and HSI Task Force officers on surveillance observed MS-13 members suspiciously load a large blanket into the trunk of a car. A subsequent traffic stop revealed the dead body of a female victim. Read More
Human Smuggling - 97 Hostages
In an ongoing war against Mexican cartels, law enforcement officers uncovered a stash house ran by human smugglers in Houston, Texas. A search warrant uncovered 97 illegal aliens being held against their will by cartel operatives, who were using them to extort additional funds from family members.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is the lead agency for international human smuggling investigations and has taken over the investigation with five arrests, to date.
Sacramento, CA: In April 2021, a joint DEA/HSI led operation resulted in the apprehension of three senior members of a South Asian international drug trafficking organization, including drug kingpin Parampreet Singh.
A coordinated take-down operation in Canada resulted in the arrest of 23 additional suspects, the seizure of 48 firearms and $500K+ in cash seizures.
Tulsa, OK: An HSI led investigation led to the investigation and interdiction of a pilot engaged in the illegal transportation of narcotics throughout the United States. A search of his aircraft revealed 100 lbs of methamphetamine. Unbelievably, the suspects name was "Badlands Justice McNally."
The suspect revealed he was paid between $7-12K for each flight. His routes included airports between Oklahoma and California.
After the tragic murder of a sleeping boy in St. Louis, Operation Legend was started as an inter-agency initiative to target violent criminals in nine states. In a particularly unique setup , 50 HSI special agents (deputized by the US Marshals) were assigned to assist St. Louis PD and targeted violent felons. Special Agents reported up to a dozen vehicle and foot pursuits on a daily basis. The operation culminated with 2000 arrests in nine states.
FBI Searches Giuliani's Home & Office
Due to their public corruption mission, FBI special agents (who are civil servants within the Executive Branch) are often caught between political parties. The Rudy Giuliani investigation is no exception. A search warrant is authored by a federal magistrate judge, which is a member of the Judicial Branch of government. Read More
Thomas Homan
Former ICE Director Thomas Homan has become the proverbial "voice in the wilderness" exposing the crime, societal problems and under-ground economy associated with illegal immigration.
Homan pulls no punches in exposing the connection between human smuggling & cartels, the disproportionate impact of illegal immigration on poor Americans and the politics of encouraging illegal immigration.
Project Honeygate
Commercial Fraud
Customs duties are the second largest source of revenue for the U.S. Government and import regulations are vital to protecting the U.S. economy & jobs. An investigation led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) ultimately led to five individuals & two domestic honey processing companies being charged with federal crimes in connection with a nationwide scheme of illegal importations of honey from China that were mislabeled as coming from other countries to avoid antidumping duties; or were adulterated with antibiotics not approved for use in honey. Altogether, the seven defendants avoided antidumping duties totaling more than $180 million! As a sub-component of Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE), HSI is the only 1811 agency with the unique expertise needed for these types of investigations.
DOJ Press Statement ICE-HSI Press Release Houston Chronicle Yahoo News Food Safety News Reuters
In March 2021, an SUV crammed with 25 illegal aliens crossed the U.S./Mexico border without authorization. Sometime later it crashed into a semi-truck, resulting in the deaths of 13 people. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), which has primary responsibility for Smuggling Investigations, was notified and started working the case.
Illegal Aliens will typically pay thousands of dollars to organized cartels in order to be smuggled into the U.S. Illegals routinely subvert the Legal Immigration system because it is easier to pay cartels for transport services.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms (ATF) has repeatedly reported about the issue of stolen firearms in the U.S. In 2019, more than 13,000 firearms were reported stolen & lost!
Stolen firearms are used by criminals, preferred for targeted shootings & often illegally smuggled into Mexico for use by cartels.
ATF has continued to be underfunded and politicized by Congress, which has been detrimental to this vital public safety mission.
A former Republican Senate staffer was arrested in Washington on federal child pornography charges by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The investigation involved a crackdown on an online group that traded numerous illicit files and videos that depicted child sexual abuse.
HSI, the criminal investigative division of I.C.E, has a historical role in combating child pornography that dates back to Legacy Customs.
In August 2020, the Justice Department announced the disruption of two cryptocurrency-based terrorism financing campaigns: one carried out by al-Qaeda, the other by the al-Qassam Brigades (Hamas). Following a multi-agency investigation by HSI, FBI, and IRS-CI, the U.S. government seized over $1 million from terrorist groups and their financial facilitators operating unlicensed MSBs — the largest seizure in a cryptocurrency-based terrorism financing case to date.
In 2020, an interagency investigation in the San Francisco Bay Area involving the FBI, DEA, HSI and severa local agencies resulted in 44 indictments and the seizure of a massive amount of drugs in several locations (1,100 lbs of meth, 500 lbs of fentanyl) and an arsenal of firearms. This joint investigation targeted the Mexican Cartels and is another example of the great work that federal agencies can do together.
An HSI investigation unraveled a multi-million dollar crypto- currency scheme. Stefan He Qin Stole and Dissipated Nearly All the Assets of His $90 Million Flagship Crypto Hedge Fund & Attempted to Steal Millions of Dollars from a Secondary Fund to Pay Back Investors. Quin used these funds to furnish a lavish lifestyle (i.e., $23,000 a month apartment). A plea deal indicates Qin is facing 151 to 188 months in federal prison.
Operation
COVID-19
Stolen Promise
On 2/2/21, while executing a federal Child Pornography warrant in Sunrise, Florida, two FBI Special Agents were tragically killed and an additional three were injured. This is among the most deadly incidents in Bureau history.
FBI Agents Killed
On February 12, 2021, a suspect pulled out a firearm on Special Agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) conducting a financial investigation. SAs shot the suspect. HSI's involvement in aggressive criminal cases has caused increased interactions with violent criminals. This is the 2nd
HSI shooting in Feb 2021.
HSI Shootings
On 2/4/21, an armed fugitive was killed and a member of the U.S. Marshals Service was critically injured in West Baltimore while police were serving an arrest warrant. Due to their apprehension mission, the USMS is routinely confronted by armed criminals avoiding prison.
USMS Shooting
2021 Presidential Inauguration
This National Security Special Event is the primary responsibility of the U.S. Secret Service and they typically rely on hundreds of HSI Special Agents behind the scenes. U.S. Secret Service Profile
Capitol Riot - 2021
In an unprecedented event during which Capitol Police were overwhelmed, rioters stormed Congress while it was in session; resulting in extensive damage & several injured officers.
DC based ATF, FBI, HSI & Secret Service Special Agents responded and later helped secure the scene.
In 2020, Donovan Nguyen was arrested for impersonating an HSI Special Agent. A related search warrant resulted in the discovery of a weapons cache & federal markings. Nguyen even managed to trick a DSS warrant team into allowing him to join the action.
In 2020, Jonathan Kirschner was sentenced to 10+ years prison for impersonating an ATF Special Agent. Kirschner pretended to be an SA in order to facilitate the sale of counterfeit gold coins & bars.
In April 2020, Riane Brownlee was sentenced to three years prison for impersonating an FBI Special Agent on a dating website and possessing a stolen firearm.
2020 - Nashville
Suicide Bombing
FBI, HSI & ATF were again called upon to investigate this Christmas Day suicide bombing: Watch Video
Combating Terrorism in Cyberspace
In August 2020, the Justice Department announced the disruption of two cryptocurrency-based terrorism financing campaigns: one carried out by al-Qaeda, the other by the al-Qassam Brigades, the military arm of Hamas. Following multi-agency investigations by the HSI, FBI, and IRS-CI, the U.S. government seized over $1 million from terrorist groups and their financial facilitators operating unlicensed MSBs — the largest seizure in a cryptocurrency-based terrorism financing case to date. Read More
In mid 2020, a number of anarchists & violent agitators repeatedly attempted to destroy & torch the Portland Federal Building. After being over-whelmed; FPS requested help from a number of agencies; to include HSI.
Portland Riots
In 2020, after an unprecedented increase in violent homicides throughout major U.S. cities; federal agents from ATF, DEA, HSI, U.S. Marshal Service and the FBI initiated a coordinated surge to address this violent crime trend.
The surge has targeted violent felons with federal charges.
Operation LeGend
After years of blatant economic espionage activities and intellectual property theft; the U.S.
State Dept. ordered the closure of a Chinese Embassy
in Texas.
The related FBI investigation uncovered a massive spy network throughout the U.S. that targeted business & research institutes.
Chinese Espionage
Silk Road Affair
As documented by the Register, NYT, Forbes, Wired Magazine, BI, and ArtsTech, this joint HSI, DEA, FBI & IRS investigation led to the arrest of criminal mastermind Ross Ulbricht, the seizure of millions worth of Bitcoin, and the dismantlement of the largest illegal online marketplaces.
Unfortunately, the opportunity to steal millions was too much to resist and two special agents from the investigating task force were later criminally charged.
In 2019, an FBI led investigation dubbed Operation Varsity Blues exposed a widespread college admissions fraud conspiracy involving wealthy & prominent subjects. 53+ defendants were ultimately indicted.
Op Varsity Blues
In January 2018, HSI Special Agent
Celestino Martinez
was recognized at the State of the Union for his outstanding work in dismantling transnational criminal organizations. It is extremely rare for a SA of
any
agency to have been recognized in this manner.
State of Union
In an unprecedented show of inter-agency cooperation; hundreds of SA's from the DEA, FBI & HSI executed a search warrant on
75 properties
connected to Chinese Organized Crime, money laundering, tax evasion & illegal marijuana production.