[Infowarrior] - Criminals target energy, financial markets, Mukasey says

[Richard Forno]

Criminals target energy, financial markets, Mukasey says

http://www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/04/23/organized.crime.threats/index.html

>From Terry Frieden
CNN

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Attorney General Michael Mukasey warned Wednesday that
organized criminal networks have penetrated portions of the international
energy market and tried to control energy resources.

In a speech at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in
Washington, he said similar efforts have targeted the international
financial system by injecting billions of illicit funds to try to corrupt
financial service providers.

Mukasey then vowed to beef up U.S. efforts to fight international organized
crime, which he called a growing threat to U.S. security and stability.

The attorney general and top law enforcement officials from the FBI,
Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Justice Department Criminal
Division said a classified threat assessment prompted the creation of a
strategy to combat the threat.

It calls for several U.S. agencies and their overseas counterparts to better
prioritize their targets, to improve information sharing and to boost
cooperation in law enforcement investigations and operations.

"The activities of transnational and national organized criminal enterprises
are increasing in scope and magnitude as these groups continue to strengthen
their networking with each other to expand their operations," said FBI
Deputy Director John Pistole.

Officials declined to discuss specific cases because the information remains
classified, and disclosure could jeopardize ongoing investigations.

However, the International Organized Crime Threat Assessment identified
eight general strategic threats from international organized criminals:

€ The penetration of the energy market and other strategic sectors of the
U.S. and world economy. As U.S. energy needs continue to grow, so, too,
could the power of those who control energy resources.

€ Providing logistical and other support to terrorists, foreign intelligence
services and foreign governments, all with interests harmful to those of
U.S. national security.

€ The trafficking in people and contraband goods, bringing people and
products through U.S. borders to the detriment of border security, the U.S.
economy, and the health and lives of those exploited.

€ The exploitation of the U.S. and international financial system to move
illegal profits and funds, including sending billions in illicit funds
through the U.S. financial system each year. To continue this practice, they
seek to corrupt financial service providers globally.

€ The use of cyberspace to target U.S. victims and infrastructure,
jeopardizing the security of personal information, the stability of business
and government infrastructures and the security and solvency of financial
investment markets.

€ The manipulation of securities exchanges and engaging in sophisticated
fraud schemes that rob U.S. investors, consumers and government agencies of
billions of dollars.

€ The successful corruption of public officials around the world, including
countries of vital strategic importance to the United States, and continuing
efforts to find ways to influence -- legally or illegally -- U.S. officials.

€ The use of violence and the threat of violence as a basis of power.

All AboutMichael Mukasey € Terrorism
 
 
 
Find this article at:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/04/23/organized.crime.threats/index.html