Deploy DS Special Agents to Additional Posts With Identified High Levels of Fraudulent Travel Documents
In 2004, the Bureaus of Diplomatic Security and Consular Affairs signed a new Memorandum of Understanding for the assignment of DS Special Agents to conduct fraud investigations in consular sections abroad. This partnership has resulted in the deployment of 26 DS Special Agents (with an additional 7 in 2007) to consular posts that encounter high numbers of fraudulent travel documents. These Special Agents investigate travel document fraud and review irregular visa applications. They also develop partnerships with host countries' law enforcement officials to investigate, arrest, and prosecute those who produce and/or use fraudulent travel documents.
DS Special Agents augment visa security support by investigating suspect documents and visa/passport applications. DS Special Agents have access to law enforcement databases not generally available to consular personnel. They consult with their foreign law enforcement counterparts and question applicants based on broad knowledge of local and international law enforcement information. Integrating these capabilities will both improve and streamline the visa adjudication process.
DS's expertise in overseas operations and its impressive track record prove that the State Department's established infrastructure possesses the ability to deploy additional personnel quickly and efficiently. Using a comprehensive methodology, DS and CA have identified and prioritized additional posts with high volumes of fraudulent travel documents for future deployment of DS Special Agents. This expansion will increase the number of posts participating in the Visa and Passport Security Program and minimize their vulnerability to fraudulent travel documents.
Expand Partnerships with Foreign Law Enforcement Personnel
Expansion of the Program overseas will strengthen partnerships between DS Special Agents and host governments' law enforcement and border security personnel. Such enhanced partnerships will increase the numbers of investigations, arrests, and prosecutions of those who engage in travel document fraud. Continued success with Program partners will provide fertile ground for further training in the prevention and detection of travel document fraud, and enhance the coordination of regional strategies to combat terrorist travel. In addition, DS Special Agents will be uniquely positioned to identify foreign partners that require additional training, technical assistance, and legal and administrative reform in order to achieve long-term success.
Table of Contents
Mission Statement | Introductory Letter From Assistant Secretary Griffin | The Bureau of Diplomatic Security: A Brief History | Visa and Passport Fraud: An Overview | Introduction | Strategic Goal 1 | Strategic Goal 2 | Strategic Goal 3 | Conclusion | Appendix: Operation Triple X
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