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19 January 2005. A person claiming to be a Department of Energy
contractor telephoned this morning to ask in a friendly manner if
these briefs could be removed. We said no. He said, "I didn't think
so. But the briefs are for official use only, couldn't they be
removed." We said no, the briefs provide good public information. He
said, "okay, thanks for talking to me." A courteous homeland security
contractor, that's good news, unlike the briefs.
18 January 2005. Thanks to A., add 9 briefs from Google caches: 3
December 2004, 9 December 2004, 5 January 2005, 7 January 2005, 10
January 2005, 11 January 2005, 12 January 2005, 13 January 2005 and 14
January 2005.
17 January 2005. Thanks to A. Additional briefs welcomed; send to
jya@pipeline.com
Briefs below were transcribed from PDF originals.
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September 2004 October 2004 November 2004 December 2004 January 2005
27 September 2004
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30 September 2004
8 October 2004
14 October 2004
19 October 2004
26 October 2004 2 November 2004
9 November 2004
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17 November 2004
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29 November 2004 1 December 2004
3 December 2004
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29 December 2004
30 December 2004 3 January 2005
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11 January 2005
12 January 2005
13 January 2005
14 January 2005
[2 Pages.]
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Homeland Security
Homeland Security Operations Center
Homeland Security Operations Morning Brief
27 September 2004
NOTICE: This document may contain initial and preliminary reporting
which may or may not be accurate or be supported by corroborative
information. The HSOC is actively evaluating the reporting to
establish its accuracy and to determine if it represents a possible
link to terrorism. If recipients have any additional or clarifying
information, please contact the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101
1. (FOUO) INTERNATIONAL: Commercial Flight Bound for U.S. Diverted due
to Bomb Threat. According to CBP Reporting, on 26 September, an
Olympic Airways flight from Athens to JFK International Airport was
diverted to London following three anonymous phone calls to an Athens
news station stating that a bomb was aboard the aircraft. British
military aircraft escorted the flight into London’s Stansted
International Airport and landed without incident. All passengers,
carry-on items, and checked baggage were re-screened with negative
results. Due to “flight hour” restrictions, the aircraft was canceled
until 27 September. (CBP Morning Report, 26 Sep 04; HSOC 3576-04)
2. (FOUO) MAINE: Suspicious Persons in Southwest Harbor. According to
23 September USCG reporting, a concerned citizen reported suspicious
behavior by three men of possible Middle Eastern descent at a
convenience store located in Southwest Harbor. The men were asking if
any local businesses rented power boats, kayaks, or bikes. The men
were driving a maroon-colored van with Florida license plates. The
reporting citizen stated that although he initially thought the men’s
behavior was suspicious, he did not think to report it, until he
learned that the Queen Mary II would be making a port visit to Bar
Harbor on 27 September. An investigation is ongoing. (COGARD Southwest
Harbor; 23 Sep 04; HSOC 3577-04)
3. (FOUO) UTAH: Subject Arrested for Making Threats to Senator’s
Office. According to FPS reporting, on 22 September, in Salt Lake
City, as the result of a joint investigation with the U.S. Capitol
Police, an FPS Special Agent arrested an individual who had threatened
a Congressional staff member. Reportedly, on 13 September, the
arrested individual had contacted the Salt Lake City offices of
Senator Hatch and threatened to kill one of the office staff members.
On 23 September, the individual was arraigned and remanded into the
custody of the U.S. Marshal Service. He will undergo a psychological
evaluation. (CCN: D04017091; HSOC 3578-04)
4. (FOUO) MASSACHUSETTS: Possible Video Surveillance of Interstate
Highway. According to military reporting, on 22 September, in
Lexington, a military member reported observing four Middle Eastern
individuals standing on an I-95 overpass videotaping the northbound
traffic and recording information into a notebook. Reportedly, the
same military member recalled observing two of the individuals on the
same overpass in late February or early March 2004. (AFOSI Talon
102-23-09-04-2297; 23 Sep 04; HSOC 3579-04)
5. (FOUO) CALIFORNIA: Security Breach at National City Terminals.
According to USCG reporting, on 23 September, in San Diego, a dock
worker reported that a soaking wet male was sitting on the dock at the
National City Terminal. When questioned by the dock worker, the man
stated that his boat had been overturned and he swam to the dock. When
security was notified, the man climbed the fence before he could be
questioned. San Diego harbor shore and water units responded but could
not locate the individual or any signs of an overturned vessel. An
investigation is underway. (USCG Operational Summary, 25 Sep 04; HSOC
3580-04)
6. (FOUO) ILLINOIS: Two Incidents of Suspicious Surveillance of the
Chicago METRA Trains. According to Illinois State Police reporting, on
24 September, in Chicago, there were two separate suspicious incidents
of photographic surveillance that took place at local METRA Stations.
The first surveillance incident involved a named individual and
occurred at the LaSalle METRA station. The second incident involved a
Mexican citizen and took place at the Kensington METRA station. The
Illinois State Police is investigating these incidents. (JRIES, 24 Sep
04; HSOC 3559-04 and 3560-04)
7. (FOUO) NEW YORK: Investigation Uncovers Precursors for Explosives.
According to law enforcement reporting, on 24 September, in Long
Island, Nassau County police noticed an individual who had just gotten
out of the water near the Atlantic Beach Bridge. During a consensual
search of his vehicle, police found chemicals, batteries, and
electronic equipment. A search of the individual’s residence revealed
inert 40mm grenades, re-primed grenades, rolls of fuse, a loaded
handgun, items possibly used in the formulation of explosives,
miscellaneous fireworks, and exploded debris. The individual is a
naturalized citizen of the U.S. who has a military special operations
background from 1968 to 1970. (HSIN updates 25 Sep 04; HSOC 3581-04)
8. (FOUO) U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS: Chemical Bomb Threat to Airport.
According to BTS reporting, on 24 September, at the Henry E. Rohlsen
Airport in St. Croix, CBP officers reported that the airport received
a chemical bomb threat against the airport from an anonymous male
caller with an Arabic accent. Authorities immediately evacuated the
airport and notified the appropriate response agencies to search the
airport. No bomb was discovered and airport operations were resumed.
(BTS Daily Operations Report, 26 Sep 04; HSOC 3570-04)
WARNING: This document is FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY. It contains
information that may be exempt from public release under the Freedom
of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552). This document is to be controlled,
handled, transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in accordance with
DHS policy relating to FOUO information and is not to be released to
the public or other personnel who do not have a valid “need-to-know”
without prior approval of the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101. Where appropriate,
U.S. person identities have been removed. Should your agency have a
requirement for particular U.S. person identity information, contact
the HSOC SWO.
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
[2 Pages.]
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Homeland Security
Homeland Security Operations Center
Homeland Security Operations Morning Brief
29 September 2004
NOTICE: This document may contain initial and preliminary reporting
which may or may not be accurate or be supported by corroborative
information. The HSOC is actively evaluating the reporting to
establish its accuracy and to determine if it represents a possible
link to terrorism. If recipients have any additional or clarifying
information, please contact the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101
1. (FOUO) FLORIDA: ICE Agents Arrest Weapons Trafficker with Possible
Ties to Terrorist Groups. According to ICE reporting, on 28 September,
in Miami, ICE agents arrested a named individual for violations of the
Arms Export Control Act. The named individual has been under
investigation for his involvement with a South Florida-based weapons
trafficking organization with alleged ties to several terrorist
groups. Reportedly, the named individual was a primary supplier of
ammunition and weapons to those terrorist organizations. (ICE Daily
Summary Report, 28 Sep 04; HSOC 3628-04)
2. (FOUO) FLORIDA: Suspicious Photographing and Videotaping of
High-Rise Buildings Including the Main Street Bridge and the Skyway.
According to 25 September Jacksonville Regional Domestic Security Task
Force reporting, in downtown Jacksonville, an off-duty police officer
reported seeing one of three people, whom he described as Middle
Eastern in appearance, photographing and videotaping high-rise
buildings, to include the Main Street Bridge and the Skyway. When the
off-duty police officer pulled alongside the minivan, the individual
with the camera immediately put it down, and the minivan departed the
area. The off-duty police officer reported the minivan’s license plate
and description. The registration showed the minivan was maroon, while
the vehicle the officer saw appeared gray. An investigation is
on-going. (FDLE Daily Brief, 28 Sep 04; HSOC 3629-04)
3. (FOUO) GREECE / UNITED STATES: Bomb Threat to Commercial Airliner.
According to TSA reporting, on 28 September, a Greek newspaper
received an anonymous bomb threat to an Olympic Airways flight from
Athens to JFK. As a precautionary measure, Olympic Airways officials
had the aircraft diverted to Shannon, Ireland for security screening.
Irish authorities searched the aircraft with negative results. This is
the second such anonymous bomb threat against Olympic Airways in the
past week. (TSA, 28 Sep 04; HSOC 3615-04)
4. (FOUO) WASHINGTON / CALIFORNIA: Suspicious Activity at USCG Group
San Francisco. According to USCG reporting, on 23 September, Coast
Guard members observed two individuals in a blue van taking pictures
of the Bay Bridge and surrounding area in front of USCG Group San
Francisco’s main gate. The license plates were traced to a jewelry
store address in Seattle, Washington. Additional checks revealed that
the two individuals were not owners, employed or had any association
with the store. An investigation is on-going. (COGARD San Francisco,
28 Sep 04; HSOC 3630-04)
5. (FOUO) OREGON: Individual in Pakistan Soliciting Information.
According to Oregon Police Bureau reporting, on 28 September, an
individual, claiming to be in Pakistan, solicited information from
multiple hotels in the Portland area. The named individual has been
requesting that all the information be sent to him in Pakistan.
(Oregon Police Bureau, 28 Sep 04; HSOC 3623-04)
6. (FOUO) MASSACHUSETTS: CBP Deny Entry to Alien with Criminal Record.
According to BTS reporting, on 23 September, at Boston’s Logan
International Airport, CBP inspectors encountered Hamza Mohamed
ABDELGHANY (DOB: 04/01/1972; Alien #: A97513890; COC: Egypt; Egyptian
PPN: 88397) who arrived from Italy and presented himself as a visitor
for pleasure. During secondary screening, CBP inspectors found
ABDELGHANY to be a match to a U.S. VISIT confirmed watch list. Further
CBP research revealed ABDELGHANY was the subject of TECS and NAILS
records. Additionally, he had a history of criminal charges and
immigration violations. CBP inspectors denied his entry and returned
to Italy. (BTS Daily Operations Report, 27 Sep 04; HSOC 3631-04)
7. (FOUO) NEW YORK: Canada Citizen Denied Entry into the U.S. for
possible Terrorist Connections. According to CBP reporting, on 28
September, in Buffalo at the Niagara Falls Port of Entry (POE), CBP
Inspector encountered Sami ULLAH (DOB 03/21/1982; COC: Canada; POB
Afghanistan) in a vehicle bearing an Ontario, Canada license plate
(ATFB203). CBP inspectors determined that ULLAH was naturalized as a
citizen of Canada in August 2004, having previously been a citizen of
Afghanistan with refugee status in Canada. During secondary
inspection, CBP inspectors determined that in July 2002, the
Department of State had revoked his visa for possible terrorist
connections. CBP determined ULLAH to be inadmissible and returned him
to Canada. (CBP Morning Report 29 Sep 04; HSOC 3632-04)
WARNING: This document is FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY. It contains
information that may be exempt from public release under the Freedom
of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552). This document is to be controlled,
handled, transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in accordance with
DHS policy relating to FOUO information and is not to be released to
the public or other personnel who do not have a valid “need-to-know”
without prior approval of the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101. Where appropriate,
U.S. person identities have been removed. Should your agency have a
requirement for particular U.S. person identity information, contact
the HSOC SWO.
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
[3 Pages.]
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Homeland Security
Homeland Security Operations Center
Homeland Security Operations Morning Brief
30 September 2004
NOTICE: This document may contain initial and preliminary reporting
which may or may not be accurate or be supported by corroborative
information. The HSOC is actively evaluating the reporting to
establish its accuracy and to determine if it represents a possible
link to terrorism. If recipients have any additional or clarifying
information, please contact the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101
1. (FOUO) NORWAY: Passenger Attacks Pilots with Axe. According to TSA
reporting, on 29 September, an Algerian passenger on a Norwegian
commuter plane attacked two pilots and one passenger with an axe as
the aircraft was landing in Bodoe. The plane landed safely with seven
passengers on board, some of whom subdued the attacker. Reportedly,
Injuries were reported to be minor. The Algerian was immediately
arrested and taken into custody. (TSA, 29 Sep 04; Press, 29 Sep 04;
HSOC 3636-04)
2. (FOUO) LOUISIANA: Helicopter Crashes in Gulf of Mexico / Unrelated
Bomb Threat. According to Louisiana Office of Homeland Security
reporting, on 29 September, a helicopter owned by the Panther Company
crashed into the Gulf of Mexico due to mechanical failure. All four
crew members were recovered and uninjured. Shortly before the crash, a
bomb threat was made to the Panther Company headquarters. An initial
investigation determined the bomb threat was non-credible and was not
related to the crash of the helicopter. (HLSEP, 29 Sep 04; HSOC
3641-04)
3. (FOUO) WASHINGTON: Suspicious Activity of Two Middle Eastern Males
on Ferry. According to USCG reporting, on 27 September, in Seattle,
two Middle Eastern males were observed studying the schematic of the
Wenatchee Ferry for an extended period of time. As soon as the two
males noticed an employee approaching, they immediately walked away
from the schematic and picked up a magazine to ward off attention. At
the end of the voyage, the two males returned to their vehicle. A
license plate check revealed the vehicle belonged to a rental company.
Information from the rental company on the vehicle indicated that it
was a rented to a business located in Tukwila. The business was unable
to be located. An investigation is on-going. (COGARD FIST Seattle, 28
Sep 04; HSOC 3657-04)
4. (FOUO) CALIFORNIA: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Evacuated when CTX Machine Detects Possible Military Explosive.
According to TSA reporting, on 29 September, at Los Angeles
International Airport, a CTX machine detected a possible
military-grade explosive at a ticket counter. A further search
discovered the source to be a passenger’s item, described as a “rocket
launcher.” This item had reportedly been converted to a laser
simulator training tool for the U.S. military. The passenger was
interviewed and cleared by Federal and local law enforcement. (TSA
TSOC reporting, 29 Sep 04; HSOC 3645-04)
5. (FOUO) VIRGINIA: Extradition Warrant Issued for Peruvian in ICE
Custody. According to ICE reporting, on 24 September, in Alexandria,
ICE agents reported that the U.S. District Court for the Eastern
District of Virginia issued an extradition warrant for Peruvian
national Wilmer YARLEQUE-Ordinola, (DOB: 11/09/1959, Alien nr:
A79479669) who is in ICE custody while in removal proceedings.
YARLEQUE is a member of the paramilitary Colima Group and is wanted in
Peru for the alleged murder of more than 24 people, including activist
students, reporters, and union organizers. Upon coming to the U.S.,
YARLEQUE was denied an application for asylum, and subsequently
arrested and convicted for working with counterfeit documents.
YARLEQUE is being transferred to U.S. Marshals custody to comply with
the extradition warrant. (ICE Daily Operational Summary, 29 Sep 04;
HSOC 3658-04)
6. (FOUO) CALIFORNIA: ICE Agents Arrest Human Rights Violator.
According to ICE reporting, on 28 September, in Bakersfield, ICE
agents arrested Guatemalan national and admitted human rights violator
Abel JUAREZ-Reyes. On 24 September, an immigration judge in San
Francisco ordered JUAREZ deported from the U.S. JUAREZ, who had
applied for asylum in the U.S., admitted to the judge that he had
committed numerous human rights violations while in Guatemala. JUAREZ
is now in ICE custody pending removal. (ICE Daily Operational Summary,
29 Sep 04; HSOC 3659-04)
7. (FOUO) MAINE: Citizen of Canada - Subject of TIPOFF record.
According to BTS reporting, on 29 September, at the Houlton Port of
Entry (POE), CBP inspectors encountered Karim MEXIANE ((DOB:
10/29/1959; COC: Canada; COB: Algeria; Algerian PPN: JE852172).
MEXIANE applied for admission as a non-immigrant. CBP inspectors
determined that MEZIANE was the subject of a TIPOFF record match as a
possible leader of a terrorist group or cell. CBP inspectors notified
ICE and JTTF, and ICE responded to interview MEXIANE. CBP inspectors
determined that MEZIANE was inadmissible and returned MEXIANE to
Canada. (BTS Daily Operations Report, 30 Sep 04; HSOC 3660-04)
8. (FOUO) NEW JERSEY: Possible Stolen Railroad Vehicle. According to
USCG reporting, on 27 September, in Morristown, a white, 1997 Chevy
C-35 crew cab pickup with rail wheels was reported stolen from the
Morristown rail yard. The VIN# is 1GCGC##R8VF011446, and the license
is NY plate #58109JG. The vehicle has an M & E diamond insignia on the
doors and the front quarter panels are labeled HRC 405. The vehicle is
equipped to operate on the rail lines and could have access to
multiple critical infrastructures on the branch lines such as
refineries, factories, plants, and port terminals. (USCG Field
Incident Report, 29 Sep 04; HSOC 3661-04)
9. (FOUO) NEW YORK: CBP Inspectors Refused Entry to Citizen of
Canada—Subject of TIPOFF Record. According to CBP reporting, on 29
September, at the Champlain Port of Entry (POE), CBP inspectors
encountered Mohamad Hussein DEAIBES (DOB: 12/20/1956; COC: Canada;
COB: Lebanon), who arrived on board a Greyhound bus. During CBP
secondary inspection, CBP inspectors determined that DEAIBES had been
refused entry to the U.S. on twelve separate occasions. Further CBP
research revealed DEAIBES to be the subject of a TIPOFF record for
involvement in money laundering activities and possible support to
terrorism. CBP inspectors notified appropriate law enforcement
entities. Subsequent to CBP and JTTF interviews, DEAIBES was refused
entry and returned to Canada. (CBP Morning Report, 30 Sep 04; HSOC
3661-04)
WARNING: This document is FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY. It contains
information that may be exempt from public release under the Freedom
of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552). This document is to be controlled,
handled, transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in accordance with
DHS policy relating to FOUO information and is not to be released to
the public or other personnel who do not have a valid “need-to-know”
without prior approval of the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101. Where appropriate,
U.S. person identities have been removed. Should your agency have a
requirement for particular U.S. person identity information, contact
the HSOC SWO.
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
[1 Page.]
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Homeland Security
Homeland Security Operations Center
Homeland Security Operations Morning Brief
8 October 2004
NOTICE: This document may contain initial and preliminary reporting
which may or may not be accurate or be supported by corroborative
information. The HSOC is actively evaluating the reporting to
establish its accuracy and to determine if it represents a possible
link to terrorism. If recipients have any additional or clarifying
information, please contact the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101
1. (FOUO) NEW YORK: Possible Infrastructure Surveillance. According to
New York Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) reporting, a suspicious
male, Soni RAVINDRA (DOB: 12/03/1977 or 03/12/1977; COC: India), was
observed videotaping infrastructure, railroad locations, and roadway
bridges. MTA authorities detained RAVINDRA for questioning. An
investigation is on-going. (MTA JRIES, 7 Oct 04; HSOC 3784-04)
2. (FOUO) NEW YORK: Suspicious Activity. According to Nassau County
Police Department reporting, on 7 October, Nassau County Police
officers arrested an individual who claimed to be a Canadian citizen
on charges of Driving While Intoxicated. During an inventory of his
personal property, officers discovered directions to a storage
facility in Port Washington located in the northern part of the
county. When questioned about the directions, the individual claimed
he had placed plastic bags in the storage facility because he was
planning to open a “dollar store” in Manhattan. Additionally, although
he claimed to be visiting friends in the area, the individual was
unable to provide any names or locations that he had visited. An
investigation is on-going. (Nassau County PD; 7 Oct 04; HSOC 3790-04)
3. (FOUO) MICHIGAN: CBP Inspectors Remove Nigerian Citizen Attempting
to Enter U.S. with Photo-Substituted Passport. According to CBP
reporting, on 7 October, at Detroit’s Metropolitan International
Airport, Olaniyi M. JOHNSON (DOB: 03/14/1972, COC: Nigeria; Nigerian
PP nr: A1526547; U.S. issued B1 visa foil #51717051), applied for
admission into the U.S. CBP inspectors noticed JOHNSON’s passport
photo did not match the visa photo and referred him to secondary
screening. During secondary screening, CBP inspectors determined that
JOHNSON had substituted his photograph into his twin brother’s
[Emmanuel JOHNSON] passport to visit a friend in Florida. CBP
inspectors denied entry to JOHNSON. (CBP Morning Report, 8 Oct 04;
HSOC 3795-04)
4. (FOUO) PUERTO RICO: Suspicious Item in Checked Baggage. According
to TSA reporting, on 7 October, at the San Juan International Airport,
a cardboard box within a checked bag alarmed for TNT during screening,
and twice during a check by K-9s. The package belonged to a husband
and wife traveling with their children. The package appeared to be a
laptop computer with inconsistent wiring attached. EOD personnel
subsequently cleared the cardboard box. An investigation is on-going
to determine as to why the package alarmed. (TSA, 7 Oct 04, HSOC
3786-04)
WARNING: This document is FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY. It contains
information that may be exempt from public release under the Freedom
of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552). This document is to be controlled,
handled, transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in accordance with
DHS policy relating to FOUO information and is not to be released to
the public or other personnel who do not have a valid “need-to-know”
without prior approval of the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101. Where appropriate,
U.S. person identities have been removed. Should your agency have a
requirement for particular U.S. person identity information, contact
the HSOC SWO.
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
[2 Pages.]
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Homeland Security
Homeland Security Operations Center
Homeland Security Operations Morning Brief
14 October 2004
NOTICE: This document may contain initial and preliminary reporting
which may or may not be accurate or be supported by corroborative
information. The HSOC is actively evaluating the reporting to
establish its accuracy and to determine if it represents a possible
link to terrorism. If recipients have any additional or clarifying
information, please contact the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101
1. (FOUO) WISCONSIN: Suspicious Photography of Petroleum Tank Farms.
According to USCG reporting, on 11 October, at the Port of Milwaukee,
a petroleum storage tank facility employee observed an unidentified
male photographing the area with a large telephoto lens. The
unidentified male photographed two neighboring petroleum facilities
and the railroad tracks adjacent to both facilities. The employee
attempted to confront the male and when the male noticed him
approaching, he returned to his vehicle and departed the area. The
individual was described as slim with dark hair, no facial hair, and
driving a dark blue Honda Accord with Wisconsin license tags. Facility
security personnel notified local authorities; an investigation is
on-going. (COGARD MSO Milwaukee, 13 Oct 04; HSOC 3864-04)
2. (FOUO) MARYLAND: Suspicious Activity at Andrews AFB Main Gate.
According to military reporting, on 12 October, Andrews AFB security
officers observed a possible Middle Eastern male photographing the
main gate area using what appeared to be a small, disposable camera.
When a security officer approached the individual to question him, the
unidentified male left the gate area, walked across the street, met up
with another individual believed to also be of Middle Eastern origin,
entered a white, late-model Pontiac Grand Am and quickly departed the
area. Reportedly, a possible Middle Eastern female was sitting in the
back of the vehicle. (AFOSI Talon 331-12-10-04-2484, 12 Oct 04; HSOC
3876-04)
3. (FOUO) LOUISIANA: Suspicious Photography of Chemical Facility.
According to the Shell Chemical Company, on 13 October, in Geismar,
Shell Chemical security personnel observed two males taking
photographs of the Shell Chemical facilities including the electrical
grid and chemical tanker trucks. The security personnel contacted
local authorities who responded to question the individuals. Their
investigation revealed that both individuals—one Asian and one
Caucasian—were British citizens with valid U.S. visas who stated they
were on a one month vacation and were fascinated by chemical plants.
They were driving a rental car with Florida tags which they had rented
in New York. The Asian male had several visa stamps in his passport
for countries in the Middle East. Reportedly, in their possession,
they carried several newspaper clippings related to the 9/11 attacks.
This information has been passed to the appropriate authorities. (NICC
Report, 13 Oct 04; HSOC 3874-04)
4. (FOUO) NEW YORK: Suspicious Questions Concerning Power Plant
Operations. According to Rochester Gas & Electric Corporation security
personnel, on 13 October, an Allegany Power Plant employee observed
three Caucasian males in a white Toyota compact car parked outside the
gate of the Power Plant. When the employee approached the gate, one of
the vehicle’s occupants asked about the fuel used to generate power at
the Plant. The employee told the occupant he could not provide
information concerning the power plant, and that the vehicle needed to
depart immediately. Allegany Power Plant security personnel notified
the New York State Police who are investigating this incident. (HSOC
Call-In, 13 Oct 04; HSOC 3877-04)
5. (FOUO) NEW YORK: Canadian Citizen / Subject of Terrorist TIPOFF
Denied Entry to U.S. According to BTS reporting, on 12 October,
Canadian citizen, and Algerian national, Mebarek MEGUITIF, (DOB:
02/23/1966), applied for admission at the Champlain Port of Entry in
New York. He was traveling in a commercial tractor-trailer bearing
Arizona license plates. MEGUITIF presented a Canadian Citizenship Card
(# 6897321) and a Quebec-issued driver’s license (M2316-230266-05).
CBP identified MEGUITIF as the subject of a TIPOFF record as a
possible threat if entering the U.S. and as a Department of State Visa
Revocation Lookout which indicated his non-immigrant visa was revoked
for possible association with terrorism. ICE and JTTF responded to
interview MEGUITIF. CBP determined MEGUITIF to be inadmissible to the
U.S. and he returned to Canada. (BTS Daily Operations Report,14 Oct
04; HSOC 3875-04)
WARNING: This document is FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY. It contains
information that may be exempt from public release under the Freedom
of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552). This document is to be controlled,
handled, transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in accordance with
DHS policy relating to FOUO information and is not to be released to
the public or other personnel who do not have a valid “need-to-know”
without prior approval of the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101. Where appropriate,
U.S. person identities have been removed. Should your agency have a
requirement for particular U.S. person identity information, contact
the HSOC SWO.
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
[2 Pages.]
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Homeland Security
Homeland Security Operations Center
Homeland Security Operations Morning Brief
19 October 2004
NOTICE: This document may contain initial and preliminary reporting
which may or may not be accurate or be supported by corroborative
information. The HSOC is actively evaluating the reporting to
establish its accuracy and to determine if it represents a possible
link to terrorism. If recipients have any additional or clarifying
information, please contact the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101
1. (FOUO) TEXAS: Suspicious Activity. According to a security manager
at JP Morgan, on 16 October, at the JP Morgan International Plaza in
Dallas, JP Morgan security personnel observed an Asian male taking
photographs in the vicinity of the Plaza complex. When approached by
security personnel, the individual claimed to be a Fannie Mae employee
and identified himself with a Virginia driver’s license. Security
officials denied permission to photograph the facility and requested
that the individual depart the property. The individual complied with
the request and departed the Plaza. (JP Morgan Security; HSOC 3947-04)
2. (FOUO) MISSOURI: Suspicious Telephone Calls. According to military
reporting, on 15 October, at Whiteman Air Force Base [home base for
the B-2 bomber], an unknown male, described as having a heavy Middle
Eastern accent, telephonically contacted the 509 th Munitions
Squadron, claiming that he represented a not-for-profit organization
and wanted to confirm the squadron’s address. Reportedly, when
questioned about his organization, the unknown caller became
belligerent and ended the phone call. On 16 October, another member of
the 509 th Munitions Squadron received a call at his residence on his
personal cellular telephone from an unknown individual—also described
as having a Middle Eastern accent—who solicited information related to
Whiteman AFB, where the military member worked, and other
operationally related questions. The military member did not provide
any information to the caller and hung up. An investigation is
on-going. (USAF Talon Report, 207-18-10-04-2533, 18 Oct 04; HSOC
3953-04)
3. (FOUO) NEW HAMPSHIRE: Photography of Critical Infrastructure.
According to ConEd Energy security personnel, on 16 October, at the
Newington Power Plant, a ConEd employee observed two white males in a
parked vehicle near the Plant fence line. Reportedly, the vehicle’s
passenger was taking photographs of the Plant using a telephoto lens.
The area being photographed included Anhydrous Ammonia storage tanks
and the loading dock area. When the employee approached the vehicle
and called to the occupants, the vehicle departed. The Newington
Police Department is investigating this incident. (ConEd Energy
e-mail, 18 Oct 04; HSOC 3948-04)
Homeland Security Information Network
Request for Information (RFI)
(FOUO) IOWA / UTAH: Weapon Images Stenciled on Electrical Boxes.
According to Chicago Police Department reporting, silhouettes of
machine guns have been stenciled on electrical boxes in Iowa and Utah
(pictured below). Please pass any similar or related incidents or
further information to Paul DeRosa, (312) 745-6190 at the Chicago PD;
or, to the JRIES desk in the HSOC. (Chicago PD, 18 Oct 04; HSOC
3944-04)
[Image]
WARNING: This document is FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY. It contains
information that may be exempt from public release under the Freedom
of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552). This document is to be controlled,
handled, transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in accordance with
DHS policy relating to FOUO information and is not to be released to
the public or other personnel who do not have a valid “need-to-know”
without prior approval of the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101. Where appropriate,
U.S. person identities have been removed. Should your agency have a
requirement for particular U.S. person identity information, contact
the HSOC SWO.
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
[2 Pages.]
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Homeland Security
Homeland Security Operations Center
Homeland Security Operations Morning Brief
26 October 2004
NOTICE: This document may contain initial and preliminary reporting
which may or may not be accurate or be supported by corroborative
information. The HSOC is actively evaluating the reporting to
establish its accuracy and to determine if it represents a possible
link to terrorism. If recipients have any additional or clarifying
information, please contact the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101
1. (FOUO) MICHIGAN: Train Derailment and HAZMAT Leak. According to the
Department of Transportation, on 25 October, near Detroit, nine cars
of an 81-car Canadian National Railroad train derailed. Four of the
derailed cars were carrying methyl alcohol—a flammable liquid. One of
the four cars developed a leak and local authorities evacuated a
one-mile radius for precautionary measures. Reportedly, rail officials
quickly contained the leak. A preliminary police investigation
revealed no evidence of terrorist or criminal activity; however, their
investigation is continuing. (DOT e-mail, 25 Oct 04; HSOC 4063-04)
2. (FOUO) ILLINOIS: Possible Surveillance Activity. According to the
Illinois State Terrorism Intelligence Center (STIC), on 22 October, in
Joliet, at a worksite at the McDonough Street Bridge, a construction
foreman observed a male of possible Middle Eastern origin taking
photographs of the bridge. When the foreman told the unidentified male
to leave, the individual became upset and continued to photograph
nearby buildings before departing the area. Reportedly, the individual
left in a Chevrolet Cavalier with Minnesota plates which have been
traced back to a finance company in Boca Raton, Florida. (Illinois
State Police STIC, 25 Oct 04; HSOC 4065-04)
Homeland Security Information Network
Request for Information (RFI)
1. (FOUO) ILLINOIS: Suspicious Activity. According to Illinois State
Police reporting, on 25 October, in Joliet, at the Flint Hills
Resources site (formally a BP-Amoco facility) , a security guard
reported that a motorized parachute gilder flew over the perimeter of
the facility. Reportedly, during the previous week, four similar
gliders flew over the site. The guard stated he knew of a training
facility for this activity on the east side of Joliet. The Illinois
State Police Terrorism and Intelligence Center is requesting
information regarding similar incidents. Contact Kacy Brewer
(217)524-6559 (ISP, 21 Oct 04; HSOC 4085-04)
2. (FOUO) SOUTH CAROLINA: Unknown Possible Gang Symbol on Military
Uniform. According to JRIES reporting, a commander at the Fort Jackson
U.S. Army Training Center reported an unknown possible gang symbol
drawn on a military cap belonging to a soldier in training. The
symbol, seen below, is a numeral “8” with “777” resting on the top of
the “8”. Anyone with information as to the meaning or possible gang
relation of this symbol is requested to contact: Gunnery Sergeant
Cindy A. Whetzel, USMC Criminal Intelligence Fusion Center at
Quantico, VA, at (703) 784-2962 or Fax (703) 784-2733 (JRIES, Oct 25
04; HSOC 4086-04)
[Image]
WARNING: This document is FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY. It contains
information that may be exempt from public release under the Freedom
of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552). This document is to be controlled,
handled, transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in accordance with
DHS policy relating to FOUO information and is not to be released to
the public or other personnel who do not have a valid “need-to-know”
without prior approval of the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101. Where appropriate,
U.S. person identities have been removed. Should your agency have a
requirement for particular U.S. person identity information, contact
the HSOC SWO.
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
[1 Pages.]
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Homeland Security
Homeland Security Operations Center
Homeland Security Operations Morning Brief
2 November 2004
NOTICE: This document may contain initial and preliminary reporting
which may or may not be accurate or be supported by corroborative
information. The HSOC is actively evaluating the reporting to
establish its accuracy and to determine if it represents a possible
link to terrorism. If recipients have any additional or clarifying
information, please contact the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101
1. (FOUO) VIRGINIA: $140,000 Bound for Saudi Arabia Seized at Airport.
According to ICE reporting, on 31 October, at Dulles International
Airport, Mohammad INAYAT was stopped for inspection prior to his
boarding a flight to Saudi Arabia. During inspection, INAYAT reported
to only have $8,000 on his person. During the inspection, inspectors
found two endorsed checks totaling $133,700 and $8,200 in cash. The
checks and the U.S. currency were seized at that time. (ICE Daily
Operational Report, 1 Nov 04; HSOC 4207-04)
2. (FOUO) TEXAS: Suspicious Photography. According to JP Morgan Plaza
Security Officer reporting, on 1 November, in Dallas, the security
officers reported seeing a “Spanish looking “middle aged male”
photographing the facility. The security officers approached the man
and asked him to cease taking photographs of the facility, stating
that it was private property and that no pictures are allowed to be
taken. The middle aged male stated that he was one of the building’s
original design engineers. The man offered no identification to
security; he left the property without incident. (Security Officers JP
Morgan Plaza/JRIES, 1 Nov 04; HSOC 3753-04)
3. (FOUO) NEW YORK: Suspicious Videotaping of Critical Infrastructure.
According to concerned citizen reporting, on 1 November, on the
Verrazzano Narrows Suspension Bridge, Staten Island, the concerned
citizen observed subjects filming the bridge from a car. The driver
was identified as a dark skinned male. The passenger place the video
camera on the dash after being signaled to stop filming by the
concerned citizen. (Call-In/JRIES, 1 Nov 04; HSOC 4193-04)
WARNING: This document is FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY. It contains
information that may be exempt from public release under the Freedom
of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552). This document is to be controlled,
handled, transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in accordance with
DHS policy relating to FOUO information and is not to be released to
the public or other personnel who do not have a valid “need-to-know”
without prior approval of the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101. Where appropriate,
U.S. person identities have been removed. Should your agency have a
requirement for particular U.S. person identity information, contact
the HSOC SWO.
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
[1 Page.]
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Homeland Security
Homeland Security Operations Center
Homeland Security Operations Morning Brief
9 November 2004
NOTICE: This document may contain initial and preliminary reporting
which may or may not be accurate or be supported by corroborative
information. The HSOC is actively evaluating the reporting to
establish its accuracy and to determine if it represents a possible
link to terrorism. If recipients have any additional or clarifying
information, please contact the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101
1. (FOUO) NEW YORK: Taliban Spokesman Arraigned for Tax Fraud.
According to press reporting, on 6 November, in Manhattan, Nasrollah
ZADRAN was arraigned on four counts of tax evasion. ZADRAN was
formerly a top spokesman for the Taliban government in Afghanistan,
dispatched to the U.S. as a representative to the UN. Prosecutors
allege ZADRAN failed to report income from his job as first secretary
for the U.S. office of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan on his
1998-2001 tax returns. (Press; HSOC 4293-04)
2. (FOUO) ILLINOIS: U.S. Citizens in Possession of Stolen and
Contraband Items. According to Illinois Statewide Terrorism
Intelligence Center reporting, on 7 November, three U.S. Citizens were
arrested for possession of a stolen police officer’s badge,
ammunition, drugs, and a military grade smoke grenade. (Illinois STIC;
; HSOC 4295-04)
3. (FOUO) TENNESSEE: Positive No-Fly Listee at Nashville. According to
TSA reporting, on 8 November, at the Nashville airport, a legal
permanent resident attempted to board a flight to Philadelphia, with a
continuing flight to Montreal. Law enforcement determined the
individual is a positive hit on the No-Fly list, and denied him
boarding. The individual was released. (TSA ; HSOC 4302-04)
4. (FOUO) ILLINOIS: Positive No-Fly Listee at Chicago. According to
TSA reporting, on 8 November, at Chicago (ORD), a No-Fly listee landed
on a flight from Jordan. Law Enforcement determined the individual was
on the No-Fly list, and after an interview downgraded the individual
to the Selectee list. (TSA ; HSOC 4310-04)
5. (FOUO) GEORGIA: False Identification. According to TSA reporting,
on 8 November, at the Atlanta airport, a passenger signing up for
standby seating presented a “Sky Marshall” badge. The individual did
not sign in to fly as an armed LEO. TSA confirmed with DOJ and FAM
that he is not an employee of either organization. When the individual
arrived for the flight, he was taken into custody for questioning to
determine the nature of his “Sky Marshall” badge. (TSA Email; HSOC
4315-04)
WARNING: This document is FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY. It contains
information that may be exempt from public release under the Freedom
of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552). This document is to be controlled,
handled, transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in accordance with
DHS policy relating to FOUO information and is not to be released to
the public or other personnel who do not have a valid “need-to-know”
without prior approval of the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101. Where appropriate,
U.S. person identities have been removed. Should your agency have a
requirement for particular U.S. person identity information, contact
the HSOC SWO.
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
[1 Page.]
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Homeland Security
Homeland Security Operations Center
Homeland Security Operations Morning Brief
16 November 2004
NOTICE: This document may contain initial and preliminary reporting
which may or may not be accurate or be supported by corroborative
information. The HSOC is actively evaluating the reporting to
establish its accuracy and to determine if it represents a possible
link to terrorism. If recipients have any additional or clarifying
information, please contact the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101
1. (FOUO) NETHERLANDS / UNITED STATES: Ukraine Nationals Attempt to
Travel to U.S. with Photo-substituted Visas. According to CBP
reporting, on 15 November, in Amsterdam, CBP officers advised the NTC
that Nurillo NEGMATOV (COC: Ukraine; DOB: 04/01/1975) was attempting
to board KLM flight 641 for JFK International Airport with a
photo-substituted visa. CBP officers subsequently denied boarding to
NEGMATOV. Additional research revealed NEGMATOV had a contact listed
in his airline reservation which matched the contact information
provided by Nataliya SHVORAK (DOB: 02/24/1980)—another passenger who
had already boarded the KLM flight to JFK International Airport.
Research revealed that on 27 September, the U.S. Embassy in Kiev had
refused a visa for SHVORAK because her Ukrainian passport (AM782866)
contained altered entry and exit stamps from the United Kingdom. CBP
officers passed the information to CBP officials at JFK International
Airport and a lookout was placed in the Interagency Border Inspection
System (IBIS) for SHVORAK, as possibly having a photo-substituted U.S.
non-immigrant visa. Upon her arrival at JFK International Airport,
SHVORAK applied for admission into the U.S. as a visitor for pleasure.
She presented her Ukrainian passport with U.S. B1/B2 (visitor)
non-immigrant visa (foil nr: 68317850). At secondary screening, CBP
officers determined that her visa was photo-substituted and her
passport had an altered 1 August 2001 departure stamp from Dover,
England. During a CBP interview, SHVORAK admitted that she had
purchased the altered visa for $2,000 and that the purpose of her trip
to the U.S. was to find employment. CBP officers determined SHVORAK to
be inadmissible and denied her entry into the U.S. (BTS Daily
Operations Report, 16 Nov 04; HSOC 4382-04)
WARNING: This document is FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY. It contains
information that may be exempt from public release under the Freedom
of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552). This document is to be controlled,
handled, transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in accordance with
DHS policy relating to FOUO information and is not to be released to
the public or other personnel who do not have a valid “need-to-know”
without prior approval of the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101. Where appropriate,
U.S. person identities have been removed. Should your agency have a
requirement for particular U.S. person identity information, contact
the HSOC SWO.
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
[2 Pages.]
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Homeland Security
Homeland Security Operations Center
Homeland Security Operations Morning Brief
17 November 2004
NOTICE: This document may contain initial and preliminary reporting
which may or may not be accurate or be supported by corroborative
information. The HSOC is actively evaluating the reporting to
establish its accuracy and to determine if it represents a possible
link to terrorism. If recipients have any additional or clarifying
information, please contact the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101
1. (FOUO) TEXAS: Water Supply Tampering. According to reporting from
the Texas Department of Public Safety, on 16 November, at the water
treatment plant in Itasca, an unidentified individual broke into the
water treatment plant and increased the chlorine input in the
water—making the water poisonous. The Texas Commission on
Environmental Quality (TCEQ) responded to test the residual chlorine
levels. After testing, TCEQ toxicologists advised that the chlorine
levels in the water were safe for human consumption at the tap. At
this time, no illness has been reported. Additional security measures
have been instituted at the facility. TCEQ, local law enforcement, and
Federal law enforcement are continuing to investigate. (Texas
Operations Center e-mail, 16 Nov 04; HSOC 4390-04)
2. (FOUO) NEW YORK: Suspicious Videotaping of LaGuardia Airport and
Adjacent Skagg-Walsh Oil Terminal. According to USCG reporting, on 15
November, a Skagg-Walsh Oil Terminal manager observed two unidentified
males videotaping LaGuardia Airport and fuel transfer operations at
the adjacent Skagg-Walsh oil terminal. When he informed the
unidentified males that videotaping was prohibited, the two men
ignored him and continued videotaping. The manager stated both
unidentified males may have had Russian accents. Authorities were
notified and an investigation is on-going. (COGARD FIST New York, 15
Nov 04; HSOC 4393-04)
3. (FOUO) MICHIGAN: Divers Find Second IED in the Rouge River.
According to USCG reporting, on 10 November, in Detroit, while
performing a training dive, Detroit Police Department (DPD) divers
found a second improvised explosive device (IED) in the Rouge River.
On 3 November, DPD divers found the first IED near a water in-take
valve, approximately one-half mile from a waste water treatment plant.
The DPD divers found the second IED in the same location as the first;
however, the second IED was much smaller. The DPD bomb squad disposed
of the device and sent the remains to ATF for analysis. An
investigation is on-going. Comment: The first IED incident was
reported on 4 November in the Homeland Security Operations Morning
Brief. (COGARD FIST Detroit, 3 & 16 Nov 04; HSOC 4246-04)
4. (FOUO) WISCONSIN / TEXAS: Possible Attempt to Obtain Sensitive
Information. According to reporting from the Corporate Physical
Security manager at We Energies, on 16 November, in Milwaukee, the We
Energies security manager received a call from a man who identified
himself by name as a representative of American Electric Power's (AEP)
IT Security group. The caller addressed the manager by name and asked
the manager if he was responsible for network security. He also asked
if he could give the caller the name of the individual at We Energies
who is responsible for network security. The caller said he was
interested in finding out what kind of Supervisory Control and Data
Acquisition (SCADA) protection schemes were being used by We
Energies—reportedly so that the caller could determine if there was
something better he should be using. The manager told the caller he
would have the We Energies IT Security person return the call. The
caller said he was calling from AEP's Houston office but he gave the
manager a call back number at "his Corpus Christi office". Based on
the background sounds of a "boiler room" operation and the manner in
which the caller phrased his inquiries, the manager suspected that the
call was likely a search for a person to whom to make a sales pitch,
although the manager couldn’t rule out more sinister intentions. The
manager checked with AEP’s physical security and no such person exists
in AEP’s IT Security department. There is no AEP facility in Corpus
Christi, and the phone number is an out-of-service cell phone. Note:
This incident illustrates the potential threat of social engineering
to elicit critical infrastructure information in innocuous and
incremental ways. (We Energies Manager of Corporate Physical Security
call-in, 17 Nov 04; HSOC 4391-04)
WARNING: This document is FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY. It contains
information that may be exempt from public release under the Freedom
of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552). This document is to be controlled,
handled, transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in accordance with
DHS policy relating to FOUO information and is not to be released to
the public or other personnel who do not have a valid “need-to-know”
without prior approval of the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101. Where appropriate,
U.S. person identities have been removed. Should your agency have a
requirement for particular U.S. person identity information, contact
the HSOC SWO.
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
[2 Pages.]
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Homeland Security
Homeland Security Operations Center
Homeland Security Operations Morning Brief
19 November 2004
NOTICE: This document may contain initial and preliminary reporting
which may or may not be accurate or be supported by corroborative
information. The HSOC is actively evaluating the reporting to
establish its accuracy and to determine if it represents a possible
link to terrorism. If recipients have any additional or clarifying
information, please contact the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101
1. (FOUO) UTAH: Artfully Concealed Weapon Detected Passenger Carry-on
Bag during Checkpoint Screening. According to TSA reporting, on 17
November, at Salt Lake City International Airport, TSA screeners
detected a knife with a 3¾- inch blade in the carry-on bag of a United
Airlines passenger (Salt Lake City-Los Angeles). The knife was
integrated in the handle of a plastic hairbrush. Law enforcement
authorities responded and confiscated the knife. The passenger was
interviewed and stated that he did not know that the knife was in the
handle of the hairbrush. An NCIC was conducted and yielded negative
results. Authorities allowed the passenger to continue on the flight.
(TSA Morning Executive Brief, 18 Nov 04; HSOC 4423-04)
2. (FOUO) DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA / MARYLAND: ICE Agents Search Suspected
Fraudulent Document Mill and Apprehend 29 individuals. According to
BTS reporting, on 17 November, in the District of Columbia, ICE agents
searched a suspected fraudulent document mill and a document vendor's
residence which was suspected to be a secondary mill location. As a
result, approximately 100 blank counterfeit resident alien and Social
Security cards were seized, as well as $1,900 in U.S. currency. ICE
agents arrested 28 known document vendors and one client. (BTS Daily
Operations Report, 19 Nov 04; HSOC 1865-04)
3. (FOUO) MINNESOTA: Suspicious Individual Possessing and Attempting
to Duplicate Fraudulent LAPD Identification Cards. According to
reporting from a Kinko’s manager, on 18 November, in Coon Rapids, an
unidentified male entered the store and wanted to make duplications of
LAPD identification cards he had in his possession. The individual
claimed that he conducted business with the Los Angeles Police
Department (LAPD) on a regular basis and that he worked for a company
called Federal Arms International (FAI). The individual expressed that
he was in a rush and appeared irritated that the store could not
duplicate the cards fast enough. He eventually stormed out of the
business and did not return. Research revealed that FAI did not exist
and contact with the LAPD indicated that the LAPD had never heard of
the man or the company he claimed to represent. The individual was
described as a 40 to 45 year old white male, 6 feet, 200 pounds, gray
beard, and wearing an olive-green military style nylon jacket. LAPD
confirmed that identity cards are counterfeit. All appropriate law
enforcement authorities were notified and an investigation is
on-going. (Kinko’s Manager Call-in to HSOC, 18 Nov 04; HSOC 4415-04)
4. (FOUO) CANADA / U.S.: Canadian Boarding Team Encounters Possible
Iranian Stowaway. According to USCG reporting, on 18 November,
Canadian Customs notified the USCG that they discovered a person with
a suspicious passport in the name of Sabet SAM during a boarding of
M/V ATLANTIC PRIDE. Reportedly, the individual is actually Massoud
SALAMAT. SALAMAT stated his father paid to have him and his two
brothers smuggled to Canada. One brother currently resides in
Vancouver and the second brother may be on board the M/V ATLANTIC
PATROLLER which is currently moored in Cleveland, Ohio. The
appropriate authorities were notified, and an investigation is
ongoing. (USCG Operational Summary, 19 Nov 04; HSOC 4417-04)
5. (FOUO) TENNESSEE: ICE Agents Search Fraudulent Document Mills and
Seize Over 250 Documents. According to BTS reporting, on 18 November,
in Knoxville, ICE agents searched two suspected fraudulent document
mills. As a result, approximately 250 blank counterfeit resident alien
and Social Security cards were seized, as well as some $5,000 in cash.
Four individuals were arrested. (BTS Daily Operations Report, 19 Nov
04, HSOC 4424-04)
WARNING: This document is FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY. It contains
information that may be exempt from public release under the Freedom
of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552). This document is to be controlled,
handled, transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in accordance with
DHS policy relating to FOUO information and is not to be released to
the public or other personnel who do not have a valid “need-to-know”
without prior approval of the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101. Where appropriate,
U.S. person identities have been removed. Should your agency have a
requirement for particular U.S. person identity information, contact
the HSOC SWO.
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
[2 Pages.]
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Homeland Security
Homeland Security Operations Center
Homeland Security Operations Morning Brief
22 November 2004
NOTICE: This document may contain initial and preliminary reporting
which may or may not be accurate or be supported by corroborative
information. The HSOC is actively evaluating the reporting to
establish its accuracy and to determine if it represents a possible
link to terrorism. If recipients have any additional or clarifying
information, please contact the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101
1. (FOUO) MAINE: Aircraft With “No-Fly” Passenger Diverted to Bangor.
According to BTS reporting, on November 20, the CBP Advanced Passenger
Information System identified Moroccan national Ahmed Abdelillah
LHAITI (DOB: 09/09/1957; PPN: L837415), on board an Air France flight
to Washington, D.C., as a possible “No-Fly” passenger and possible
TIPOFF match. Research revealed LHAITI was an exact match to the “No
Fly” entry and TSA diverted the Air France flight to Bangor.
Additional research revealed a Moroccan national, Mohammed OUKASSOU
(DOB: 01/01/1928; PPN: P966053) was traveling with LHAITI; however, no
derogatory information was found on him. In Bangor, CBP officers
removed LHAITI and OUKASSOU from the flight. CBP determined LHAITI to
be inadmissible as an alien not in possession of a valid non-immigrant
visa and processed him for an expedited removal. CBP also allowed
OUKASSOU to withdraw his application for admission into the U.S. (BTS
Daily Operations Report, 21 Nov 04; HSOC 4439-04)
2. (U) NATIONWIDE: Bomb Threat. According to BTS reporting, on 19
November, an unidentified individual called the FAA’s Flight Standards
office and threatened to blow up an Independence Air flight unless he
was paid $1,000,000. According to TSA reporting, Independence Air
inspected all aircraft and implemented additional security measures.
No abnormalities were found. (BTS Daily Operations Report; 20 Nov 04;
HSOC 4432-04)
3. (FOUO) NEW JERSEY: Chemical Spill Closes Police and Fire Call
Center. According to National Infrastructure Coordinating Center
reporting, on 21 November, at the Newark Police and Fire Department
Call Center, the internal fire protection system was activated causing
the release of some 1,400 pounds of fire-inhibiting chemicals. As a
precautionary measure, authorities closed the facility for
approximately two hours to remediate the chemical release. It is
unclear if unidentified individuals tampered with the fire protection
system or if it was a system malfunction. Newark authorities have
initiated an investigation. (NICC Daily Sector Pulse, 21 Nov 04; HSOC
4443-04)
4. (FOUO) OHIO: Suspicious Photography. According to Cincinnati Police
Department (CPD) reporting, on 19 November, in downtown Cincinnati,
three unidentified individuals were observed filming various buildings
and locations. The individuals were in a Plymouth Voyager with Ohio
license plates. A CPD investigation in ongoing. (CPD reporting, 19 Nov
04; HSOC 4430-04)
5. (FOUO) NEW YORK: CBP Apprehends Alien Smuggler. According to BTS
reporting, on 19 November, in Burke, CBP officers apprehended Valeriy
BERESNEV (DOB: 08/01/1961; COC: Kazakhstan; Alien nr: A 97 657 552)
attempting to smuggle Shazeeda HARRYNAUTH (DOB: 04/07/1984; COC:
Guyana; Alien nr: A 79 141 348) into the U.S. CBP officers observed
BERESNEV pick up HARRYNAUTH in a remote area adjacent to the
Canada-U.S. border. The appropriate authorities were notified. CBP
will prosecute BERESNEV for alien smuggling and HARRYNAUTH for entry
without inspection. (BTS Daily Operations Report, 20 Nov 04; HSOC
4442-04)
6. (FOUO) DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA: Suspicious Videotaping. According to
U.S. Secret Service reporting, on 18 November, Hamed HAJEBI (DOB:
07/27/1981; COB: Iran; German PPN: A0018693) was observed videotaping
near the White House. Reportedly, HAJEBI was in the D.C. to attend a
demonstration in protest of Iran. (USSS; 19 Nov 04; HSOC 4434-04)
7. (FOUO) NEW YORK: CBP Denies Entry to 25 Canadians With Possible
Links to a Terrorist Organization. According to BTS reporting, on 19
November, at the Alexandria Bay Port of Entry, CBP officers denied
entry to 25 Canadians applying to enter the U.S. in order to attend a
protest rally in Washington, D.C. sponsored by the Council for Freedom
and Democracy in Iran. Reportedly, the 25 individuals had possible
links to the Mujahedin e-Khalq (MEK)—a known terrorist organization.
(BTS Daily Operations Report, 20 November 04; HSOC 4444-04)
WARNING: This document is FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY. It contains
information that may be exempt from public release under the Freedom
of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552). This document is to be controlled,
handled, transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in accordance with
DHS policy relating to FOUO information and is not to be released to
the public or other personnel who do not have a valid “need-to-know”
without prior approval of the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101. Where appropriate,
U.S. person identities have been removed. Should your agency have a
requirement for particular U.S. person identity information, contact
the HSOC SWO.
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
[2 Pages.]
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Homeland Security
Homeland Security Operations Center
Homeland Security Operations Morning Brief
26 November 2004
NOTICE: This document may contain initial and preliminary reporting
which may or may not be accurate or be supported by corroborative
information. The HSOC is actively evaluating the reporting to
establish its accuracy and to determine if it represents a possible
link to terrorism. If recipients have any additional or clarifying
information, please contact the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101
1. (FOUO) CALIFORNIA: ICE Agents Search Residence of Suspected Illegal
Arms Exporter. According to ICE reporting, on 23 November, in Carson,
ICE agents searched the residence of a named U.S. person who allegedly
violated the Arms Export Control Act. Agents recovered firearm parts
and accessories as well as evidence linked to the illegal export of
firearms and firearms parts to the Philippines. (ICE Daily Summary, 24
Nov 04; HSOC 4512-04)
2. (FOUO) MASSACHUSETTS: Suspicious Telephone Call Received at
Electric and Gas Utility Company Call-Center. According to National
Infrastructure Coordinating Center (NICC) reporting, on 24 November,
in Dedham, a security official, at NSTAR a natural gas and electricity
utility company, reported that the NSTAR call center received a
suspicious telephone call from a named individual. The named
individual claimed to represent New York’s Independent System Operator
(NYISO) [monitors the state’s major power transmission systems and the
wholesale market for electricity], requested details about NSTAR’s
control center (CC), and wanted to know who was in charge of the CC.
Upon being provided the opportunity to speak with the CC manager, the
individual hung up the telephone. The NSTAR security official
contacted NYISO, and research revealed that there was no employee with
the name provided by the caller. The NSTAR security official contacted
the appropriate authorities, and an investigation is ongoing. Comment:
A similar incident was reported in the 17 November HSOMB involving We
Energies—an electric and gas utility company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
(NICC Daily Sector Pulse /NSTAR security official, 24 Nov 04; HSOC
4504-04)
3. (FOUO) TEXAS: LAW and Grenades Discovered in Plastic Bag Hanging on
a Trash Dumpster. According to TSA reporting, on 23 November, in
Duncanville, Duncanville Police Department (DPD) officers responded to
a call regarding a suspicious bag which hung on a dumpster at an Exxon
Tiger Mart on the corner of Highway 67 and Danieldale Road. Upon
arriving on the scene, DPD officers discovered that the bag contained
a grenade, so they notified the appropriate authorities. The
respondents included Dallas EOD, a TSA K-9 unit, and the appropriate
federal authorities. DPD officers closed Highway 67 and Danieldale
Road while federal authorities inspected the bag’s contents.
Authorities discovered three hand grenades and a LAW (Light Anti-tank
Weapon) rocket. An American airlines baggage identification tag,
attached to the bag, identified a possible owner. During a Federal law
enforcement interview the individual, whose name appeared on the tag,
stated that he discarded the bag a year ago. The investigation is on
going. (TSA-11-11099-04, 25 Nov 04; HSOC 4505)
4. (FOUO) FLORIDA: CBP Officers Deny Entry to Jamaican Involved in
Alien Smuggling. According to CBP reporting, on 25 November, at Miami
International Airport, Derrick PICKERSGILL (DOB 08/28/1963; COC:
Jamaica; Jamaican Passport #: 2889988; B1/B2 visa #: 4922285) arrived
from Jamaica and applied for admission as a visitor for pleasure. CBP
officers identified PICKERSGILL as a match to a TECS record indicating
that PICKERSGILL’s visa had been revoked by the Department of State
(DOS). 27 January 2003 for being involved in Alien smuggling. During a
CBP officer’s interview, PICKERSGILL stated he provided airline
tickets and a boarding pass to a person he did not know well for
travel to the U.S. PICKERSGILL further stated that he provided false
employment documents for persons applying for visas to enter the U.S.
CBP officers determined PICKERSGILL to be inadmissible to the U.S. as
a non-immigrant without a valid visa and processed him for expedited
removal. ( CBP Morning Report, 26 Nov 04; HSOC 4513-04)
5. (FOUO) NEW YORK: CBP Officers Use USVISIT Data to Deny Entry to
French National Previously Removed from U.S. According to BTS
reporting, on 24 November, at JFK International Airport, Rachid MEHAYA
(DOB: 03/29/1965; COC: France; PPN: 04FH14000) arrived aboard a
British Airways flight and applied for admission as a visitor for
pleasure under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). The Interagency Border
Inspection System returned several hits on MEHAYA. When the CBP
officer electronically scanned MEHAYA’s index fingers, the USVISIT
returned a possible watch-list hit. During secondary inspection, CBP
electronically scanned a complete set of fingerprints, and the
Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (IAFIS)
identified MEHAYA as an alien previously ordered removed. MEHAYA has
an extensive criminal record, and has used multiple aliases. CBP
officers determined MEHAYA to be inadmissible under VWP, refused him
entry, and returned him to France. (BTS Daily Operations Report, 26
Nov 04; HSOC 4514-04)
6. (FOUO) ARIZONA: TSA Screeners Detect Artfully Concealed Knife
Inside Shoe of Southwest Airline Passenger. According to TSA
reporting, on 24 November, at Phoenix’s Sky Harbor International
Airport, TSA screeners detected a 41/4-inch steak knife artfully
concealed inside the shoe of a 16-year old Southwest Airlines
passenger traveling unaccompanied to San Antonio. The steak knife was
wrapped in athletic tape and placed under the insole. TSA screeners
notified law enforcement authorities who in turn interviewed the youth
upon receiving authorization from his mother. Reportedly, the youth
placed the knife in his shoe four months ago and forgot that it was
there. The youth was subsequently released and rebooked on a later
flight. (TSA-11-11129-04, 24 Nov 04; HSOC 4510-04)
WARNING: This document is FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY. It contains
information that may be exempt from public release under the Freedom
of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552). This document is to be controlled,
handled, transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in accordance with
DHS policy relating to FOUO information and is not to be released to
the public or other personnel who do not have a valid “need-to-know”
without prior approval of the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101. Where appropriate,
U.S. person identities have been removed. Should your agency have a
requirement for particular U.S. person identity information, contact
the HSOC SWO.
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
[2 Pages.]
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Homeland Security
Homeland Security Operations Center
Homeland Security Operations Morning Brief
29 November 2004
NOTICE: This document may contain initial and preliminary reporting
which may or may not be accurate or be supported by corroborative
information. The HSOC is actively evaluating the reporting to
establish its accuracy and to determine if it represents a possible
link to terrorism. If recipients have any additional or clarifying
information, please contact the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101
1. (FOUO) INDIANA: Anhydrous Ammonia / New Trend in Concealment.
[Image] According to USCG reporting, on 24 November, in Kendallville,
a fire official reported the recovery of 4 of 15 stolen fire
extinguishers. The recovered fire extinguishers contained anhydrous
ammonia (a key ingredient in the production of methamphetamine), and
may represent a new trend in concealment. At the beginning of
November, 15 fire extinguishers, to include red five and ten pound ABC
extinguishers and silver pressurized water cylinders, were stolen. On
9 November, a maintenance worker at a Kendallville apartment complex
found two extinguishers in the parking lot. As the maintenance worker
approached one of the fire extinguishers, he became dizzy and weak.
Fire department personnel later determined that both extinguishers
contained anhydrous ammonia, one of which was leaking. To date, four,
of the stolen fire extinguishers, have been recovered and found to
contain anhydrous ammonia. Reportedly, if a fire extinguisher has a
brass valve assembly, the anhydrous ammonia may cause the assembly to
turn blue and the aluminum valve assemblies to deteriorate. (COGARD
FIST Louisville, 26 Nov 04; HSOC 4533-04)
2. (FOUO) FLORIDA: Border Patrol Agents Arrest Egyptian Citizen.
According to BTS reporting, on 25 November, in Pembroke Pines, Border
Patrol Agents (BPAs) arrested Moustafa Ahmed MOHAMED (DOB: 02/01/1972;
COC: Egypt; Alien nr: A97959825). BPAs took MOHAMED into custody after
he presented an expired B1/B2 visa. During questioning, agents
discovered a counterfeit Legal Permanent Resident (LPR) card, a
suspected fraudulent Social Security card, several passport photos of
him with digitally altered hairstyles, Egyptian military
identification, and two Egyptian passports with multiple entry/exit
stamps to Saudi Arabia and Jordan. BPAs charged MOHAMED with
possessing fraudulent documents and placed him in removal proceedings.
(BTS Daily Operations Report, 27 Nov 04; HSOC 4534-04)
3. (FOUO) FLORIDA: USVISIT and CBP Officers Stop Criminal Alien
Traveling Under Alias. According to BTS reporting, on 25 November, in
Orlando, CBP officers encountered Jennifer WHYTE (DOB: 11/07/1958;
COC: Jamaica; Alien nr: A97953040) upon arrival from Jamaica. WHYTE
presented officers a British passport (PPN: 018623438) with the name
of Sonia DESOUZA (DOB: 05/15/1956) and applied for admission. CBP
officers electronically scanned WHYTE’s fingerprints, and USVISIT
returned a possible watch list match. During secondary inspection, CBP
officers electronically scanned a complete set of fingerprints, and
the Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS)
returned a positive match to an individual with two previous Lookout
hits. WHYTE claimed that she paid an unknown Jamaican man $10,000
Jamaican dollars for the passport. WHYTE claimed that she altered the
photo. WHYTE has an extensive criminal record. CBP officers refused
entry to WHYTE and returned he to Jamaica. (BTS Daily Operations
Report, 27 Nov 04, HSOC 4535-04)
4. (FOUO) NORTH CAROLINA: Fraudulent Resident Alien Card. According to
North Carolina Highway Patrol reporting, on 27 November, in Gastonia,
a State Patrol Trooper arrested a named individual for speeding and
failure to provide official identification. While in custody, the
individual attempted to conceal a Resident Alien Card in the prisoner
restroom. The Resident Alien number belongs to another individual. The
individual also had an identification card that is marked as being
official identification, but it is issued by Latin & American Services
(LAS), a private company with no connection to the state government.
(NCHP; HSOC 4527-04)
5. (FOUO) CANADA: CBP Officers Refuse Entry to Citizen of Canada
During Pre-Clearance Screening—Possibly Linked to Terrorist
Activities. According to BTS reporting on, 28 November, at Toronto
International Airport, CBP officers intercepted Vasantha YOGESWARAN
(DOB: 02/19/1967; COB: Sri Lanka) attempting to board a flight to New
Jersey. CBP officers identified YOGESWARAN as a possible match to an
alias referenced in a TECS lookout. Two additional TIP records were
identified in YOGESWARAN’s maiden name KATHERAVELU. Based on the
TIPOFF records, CBP officers found YOGESWARAN inadmissible to the U.S.
as an alien likely to engage in unlawful activity and allegedly a
member of a foreign terrorist organization. (BTS Daily Operations
Report, 29 November 04;HSOC 4536-04)
WARNING: This document is FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY. It contains
information that may be exempt from public release under the Freedom
of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552). This document is to be controlled,
handled, transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in accordance with
DHS policy relating to FOUO information and is not to be released to
the public or other personnel who do not have a valid “need-to-know”
without prior approval of the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101. Where appropriate,
U.S. person identities have been removed. Should your agency have a
requirement for particular U.S. person identity information, contact
the HSOC SWO.
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
[2 Pages.]
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Homeland Security
Homeland Security Operations Center
Homeland Security Operations Morning Brief
1 December 2004
NOTICE: This document may contain initial and preliminary reporting
which may or may not be accurate or be supported by corroborative
information. The HSOC is actively evaluating the reporting to
establish its accuracy and to determine if it represents a possible
link to terrorism. If recipients have any additional or clarifying
information, please contact the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101
1. (FOUO) RHODE ISLAND // LOUISIANA // GEORGIA: Military Recruiting
Centers Receive Islamic CDs. According to Department of Defense
reporting, on 29 November, in Woonsocket, the Air Force Recruiting
Squadron (AFRCS) received an Islamic CD reportedly from the Ministry
of Islamic Affairs in Saudi Arabia. The CD was in an envelope
postmarked from Denver, CO, with a return address stating only
“Concerned Citizens of Colorado.” Upon opening the envelope, a
recruiting officer found a note which read, “You have just received a
CD full of passages from the Quran produced in the King Fahd Complex
in Saudi Arabia under the Ministry of Islamic Affairs. This version of
the Quran is being taught in America and as you will see it has 50
pages of who, when, why, where, and how to hate and kill.” The CD
cover read, “Why do radical Muslims become terrorists?” Further, the
recruiting officer advised of a similar CD that was sent to the AFRCS
in Louisiana on 15 November. Reportedly, authorities analyzed the CD
and found no threats or malicious viruses. Reportedly, a similar CD
was sent to the Marine Recruiting Center at the Battle Creek
Megacenter in Georgia. An investigation is on-going. (AFOSI Talon #
102-30-11-04-2909, 30 Nov 04; HSOC 4581-04)
2. (FOUO) United States/Austria: ICE Assists Austrian Authorities in
Illegal Export Investigation. According to BTS reporting, on 30
November, the ICE Attaché in Vienna reported that Austrian authorities
arrested Iranian nationals Mahmoud SEIF and Shahrzad MIR GHOLAKHAN
(DOB: 09/23/1977) for attempting to violate Austrian export laws. The
arrests were pursuant to a meeting where the men negotiated the
purchase of 40 “Generation-III” night vision goggles. During the
meeting, SEIF indicated that the Iranian Embassy in Vienna would
facilitate the shipment of the night vision equipment, and also
provided a “shopping list” of other items to be obtained by the
source. Austrian authorities searched the subjects' hotel rooms, and
seized some documents and a laptop computer. (BTS Daily Operations
Report, 01 Dec 04; HSOC 4582-04)
3. (FOUO) NEW YORK: Passenger Arrested for Artfully Concealed
Prohibited Item. According to BTS reporting, on 30 November, at JFK
International Airport, TSA screeners detected a “Leatherman” tool
artfully concealed in a quart jar of hair gel in a passenger’s
carry-on bag during x-ray screening. LEOs arrested the named U.S.
passenger on the state charge of criminal possession of a weapon in
the 4th degree. (BTS Daily Operations Report, 1 Dec 04; HSOC 4583-04)
4. (FOUO) MINNESOTA // WISCONSIN: USCG Reports Possible Threat to the
Airport and the Murphy Oil Refinery. According to USCG reporting, on
30 November, at Duluth International Airport, the Director of
Operations (DO) reported that there was a possible threat to the
airport and the Murphy Oil Refinery in Superior, WI. The DO reported
the threat to the USCG Marine Safety Office in Duluth. Reportedly a
named individual called (911) stating that something big” was going to
happen and asked for directions to the Duluth International Airport
and the Murphy Oil Refinery. Law enforcement authorities interviewed
the named individual. MSO DULUTH issued a Captain Of The Port (COTP)
order to the refinery and to the motor vessel INDIANA HARBOR to enact
their security plans for an explosive threat, and sent a team to
conduct a facility security inspection of the refinery. Both the
refinery and the INDIANA HARBOR were ordered to report findings to MSO
Duluth. (USCG Reporting 30 Nov 04; HSOC 4565-04)
WARNING: This document is FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY. It contains
information that may be exempt from public release under the Freedom
of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552). This document is to be controlled,
handled, transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in accordance with
DHS policy relating to FOUO information and is not to be released to
the public or other personnel who do not have a valid “need-to-know”
without prior approval of the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101. Where appropriate,
U.S. person identities have been removed. Should your agency have a
requirement for particular U.S. person identity information, contact
the HSOC SWO.
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
[1 Page.]
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Homeland Security
Homeland Security Operations Center
Homeland Security Operations Morning Brief
3 December 2004
NOTICE: This document may contain initial and preliminary reporting
which may or may not be accurate or be supported by corroborative
information. The HSOC is actively evaluating the reporting to
establish its accuracy and to determine if it represents a possible
link to terrorism. If recipients have any additional or clarifying
information, please contact the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101
1. (FOUO) UNITED STATES / CANADA: Attempted Sabotage of the Hydro
Quebec Power Transmission Tower. According to ICE reporting, on 1
December, in Quebec (1.5 miles northeast of the Norton, VT Port of
Entry), the Provincial Police received a call from a hunter who
reported damage to the Hydro-Quebec power transmission tower.
Authorities determined that the damage was intended to knock down a
main support column. The damage to the tower did not disrupt service.
The tower is a major source of Canadian power operating in Northern
Quebec and enters the U.S. near Norton, VT continuing on to Boston,
MA. Destruction of this electric grid could cause a significant
blackout in the New England region. It is unknown if this incident is
terrorism related. An investigation is on-going. (BTS Daily Operations
Report, 3 Dec 04; HSOC 4600-04)
2. (FOUO) WASHINGTON: Gun Shots Damage Power Substation. According to
reporting from the Pacific Northwest Security Coordinator, on 2
December, in Seattle (King County), at the Bonneville Power
Administration (BPA) Raver substation, a facility employee found gun
shot damage to the substation. Reportedly, the bullets damaged some of
the substation’s electrical transmission equipment; however, the
damage did not disrupt service. Reportedly, this incident follows a
pattern of gunshot damaged to the substation. Prior to this incident,
the substation was last inspected on 26 November. (Pacific Northwest
Security Coordinator report, 02 Dec 04; HSOC 4606-04)
3. (FOUO) TEXAS: ICE Agents Arrest an Illegal Alien Employed by the
City of Dallas Water Supply. According to BTS reporting, on 1 December
in Dallas, ICE agents arrested Malaba MULUMBA (DOB: 05/03/1967; COC:
Democratic Republic of the Congo; PPN: A74682752) for falsely claiming
U.S. citizenship and for being an illegal alien in possession of a
firearm. MULUMBA was employed as an armed guard at the City of Dallas
Water Supply. (BTS Daily Operations Report, 3 Dec 04; HSOC 4610-04)
4. (FOUO) TEXAS: ICE Agents Arrest Mexican National Attempting to
Export Ammunition. According to BTS reporting, on 30 November, near
the Brownsville Port of Entry (POE), ICE agents arrested a Mexican
national for federal Arms Control Act violations. Agents arrested him
after witnessing him purchase large quantities of ammunition. The
Mexican national admitted that he planned to export the ammunition to
Mexico. (BTS Daily Operations Report, 3 Dec 04; HSOC 4611-04)
WARNING: This document is FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY. It contains
information that may be exempt from public release under the Freedom
of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552). This document is to be controlled,
handled, transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in accordance with
DHS policy relating to FOUO information and is not to be released to
the public or other personnel who do not have a valid “need-to-know”
without prior approval of the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101. Where appropriate,
U.S. person identities have been removed. Should your agency have a
requirement for particular U.S. person identity information, contact
the HSOC SWO.
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
[3 Pages.]
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Homeland Security
Homeland Security Operations Center
Homeland Security Operations Morning Brief
9 December 2004
NOTICE: This document may contain initial and preliminary reporting
which may or may not be accurate or be supported by corroborative
information. The HSOC is actively evaluating the reporting to
establish its accuracy and to determine if it represents a possible
link to terrorism. If recipients have any additional or clarifying
information, please contact the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101
1. (FOUO) TEXAS: DoD Lesson Plans Stolen from USAF Member Hotel Room /
Possible Surveillance Activities. According to 7 December military
reporting, in San Antonio at Lackland AFB, on 30 November, USAF
personnel arrived at a local hotel and noticed four possible Middle
Eastern males behaving suspiciously. Approximately three to four days
later, the men were observed counting and photographing the doors to
the rooms belonging to the USAF members. Reportedly, the men always
traveled together, and appeared to be purposely present when the USAF
members gathered for breakfast. The men were also noted to have the
“No Service†door magnets posted on their doors throughout the
day. On 6 December, one USAF member reported that his lesson plans
were stolen from his room. The other USAF members reported that
nothing was missing, but personal items were seemingly out of place in
their rooms to include open drawers and closet doors. An investigation
is on-going. (AFOSI Talon #409-07-12-04-2968, 7 Dec 04; HSOC 4701-04)
2. (FOUO) NEW YORK: Suspicious Photography of Power Facility.
According to Con Edison Security reporting, on 8 December, in New York
City, a Con Edison employee reported an incident at the company's
Waterside Station (electric power facility). The employee stated she
observed a white male taking pictures of the station with a video
camera. He stopped taking pictures after he observed Con Edison crews
taking pictures of him. The man was approximately 30 years old and was
wearing a black jacket with reddish blonde hair. The NYPD and
Corporate Security were notified. (Con Edison Security reporting, 8
Dec 04; HSOC 4695-04)
3. (FOUO) NEW YORK: CBP Officers Deny Entry to Saudi National -
Subject of TIPOFF and Visa Revocation Lookout. According to BTS
reporting, on 7 December, at JFK International airport, Mohamed Ahmed
Mossalam AL RIYATY (COC: Saudi Arabia; DOB: 02/16/1967, PPN: 00002892)
applied for admission as a non-immigrant. CBP officers determined that
AL RIYATY was a TIPOFF match for providing support to terrorism and
was a visa revocation lookout in which his visa was revoked on 18
November. AL RIYATY was also identified as being in the violent gang
and terrorist organization file (VGTOF). ICE and JTTF were contacted
and subsequently interviewed AL RIYATY. AL RIYATY was found
inadmissible as a non-immigrant not in possession of a valid visa and
was subsequently returned to Saudi Arabia. (BTS Daily Operations
Report, 9 Dec 04; HSOC 4696-04)
4. (FOUO) CALIFORNIA: Special Agents Arrest Four Who Smuggled Polish
and Ukrainian Nationals. According to BTS reporting, on 7 December, in
San Diego, ICE and FBI Special Agents arrested four members, U.S. and
Russian citizens, of a human smuggling organization. The individuals
were engaged in the smuggling of Polish and Ukrainian nationals into
the U.S. through Mexico, charging a fee of $9,000. Allegedly, the
organization provided the individuals with false identification, and
in the event the smuggled aliens were apprehended, arranged to have
immigration attorneys represent them, posted their bonds, and prepared
asylum applications on their behalf. (BTS Daily Operation Report, 9
Dec 04; HSOC 4705-04)
5. (FOUO) ILLINOIS: Possible IED or Firework Type Device Detonated on
Bus. According to TSA reporting, on 9 December, the Chicago Transit
Authority reported that a possible IED or fireworks type device was
detonated on a Chicago Transit Authority Bus. The device exploded with
no critical or fatal injures reported, but four passengers and the
driver were taken to the hospital for possible ear and back injures.
The bus continued southbound and the device detonated. The bus
returned to its maintenance facility under its own power where bomb
and arson division authorities met the bus to investigate. Local,
State, and Federal Agencies were notified. Reportedly, two stops prior
to the detonation, two African-American teenage males exited the bus.
An investigation is underway to determine if the individuals were
responsible for this incident. (TSA-12-12150-04, 9 Dec 04; HSOC
4706-04)
6. (FOUO) UNITED STATES/PAKISTAN: Woman Linked to Terrorism
Investigation Sentenced for Illegally Entering U.S. According to BTS
reporting, on 7 December, as a result of an investigation by FBI
agents and ICE JTTF Special Agents, Farida Goolam Mohomed AHMED (COC:
South Africa, DOB: 07/08/1956) was sentenced to time served for entry
without inspection, false statements, and forgery or false use of a
passport. AHMED is in ICE custody under "no bond" conditions pending
deportation. Previously, on 19 July, CBP Border Patrol agents
apprehended AHMED, at the McAllen Miller International Airport,
McAllen, Texas, when she attempted to board a flight to Houston,
Texas, en route to New York City, New York. AHMED was linked to
specific terrorist activities. (BTS Daily Operations Report, 9 Dec 04;
HSOC 4702-04)
7. (FOUO) NEBRASKA: Letter Delivered Containing Mercury. According to
Associated Press reporting, on 6 December, in Lincoln, a small amount
of potentially dangerous mercury spilled from an anonymous letter sent
to the mayor's office. A second mercury laced letter was sent to the
police chief, but was not opened. No injuries resulted from the
letters, which were critical of the police department. The first
letter was received and opened 6 December (Monday) at Mayor Coleen
SENG's office. When opened, the mercury landed on the skirt of a
worker and on the floor. Two chairs and a patch of carpet were removed
from the office as a precaution. On 7 December (Tuesday), Police Chief
Tom CASADY's office received a similar letter, but employees did not
open it because they had been alerted to the letter SENG had received.
The small amount of mercury appeared to have come from a thermometer.
Research has shown that excessive exposure to mercury can cause
serious health problems, especially in pregnant women and children.
(Associated Press report, 8 Dec 04, HSOC 4703-04)
WARNING: This document is FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY. It contains
information that may be exempt from public release under the Freedom
of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552). This document is to be controlled,
handled, transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in accordance with
DHS policy relating to FOUO information and is not to be released to
the public or other personnel who do not have a valid “need-to-know”
without prior approval of the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101. Where appropriate,
U.S. person identities have been removed. Should your agency have a
requirement for particular U.S. person identity information, contact
the HSOC SWO.
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
[3 Pages.]
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Homeland Security
Homeland Security Operations Center
Homeland Security Operations Morning Brief
10 December 2004
NOTICE: This document may contain initial and preliminary reporting
which may or may not be accurate or be supported by corroborative
information. The HSOC is actively evaluating the reporting to
establish its accuracy and to determine if it represents a possible
link to terrorism. If recipients have any additional or clarifying
information, please contact the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101
1. (FOUO) MINNESOTA/KENTUCKY: Minneapolis (MSP) Airport Police Badge
Stolen. According to TSA reporting, on 9 December, the Minneapolis St
Paul International Airport Police Department (MSIAPD) reported that a
small clip style MSIAPD badge was stolen from a vehicle in Louisville,
KY. The police badge and vehicle belong to a named U.S. citizen, who
is a retired Minneapolis Airport Police Lieutenant. Also stolen from
the vehicle, was a computer jump drive that contained all the law
enforcement membership records of the Southern Police Institute Alumni
Association. These records contained such information as the names,
addresses, phone numbers, law enforcement status of the association’s
members. Association members are from federal, state, and local law
enforcement agencies nationwide. The police badge is a gold badge with
the Seal of the State of Minnesota in the center. Above the state seal
is the word “Lieutenant” and “Airport”, and below the seal is
“Police”. The badge number is “7”, and this number is found on the
face of the badge below the word “Police”. The Chief of the MSIAPD
requested TSA assistance. Local, state, and federal agencies in
Minnesota and Kentucky were informed. (TSA report, 10 Dec 04; HSOC
4716-04)
2. (FOUO) MICHIGAN: CBP Officer Deny Entry to Citizen of Canada -
Subject of TIPOFF. According to BTS reporting, on 10 December, at
Detroit’s Ambassador Bridge, Abdul MALIK (COB: Pakistan; COC: Canada;
DOB: 03/21/1983) applied for admission as a non-immigrant visitor for
pleasure. CBP officers determined that MALIK was a TIPOFF match for
providing support to terrorism. Allegedly, MALIK was also involved in
alien smuggling, money laundering, and the distribution of narcotics.
CBP officers determined MALIK to be inadmissible to the U.S. and
returned him to Canada. (BTS Daily Operations Report, 10 Dec 04; HSOC
4717-04)
3. (FOUO) CALIFORNIA: Citizen of Australia - Refused Admission.
According to BTS reporting, on 10 December, at Los Angeles
International airport, Hamid YADANI (COB: Iran; COC: Australia; DOB:
07/23/1962) arrived from Australia and applied for admission as a
non-immigrant visitor for pleasure. CBP officers determined that
YADANI was a possible TIPOFF match. CBP officers contacted ICE and
JTTF who in turn responded and interviewed YADANI. CBP officers found
YADANI inadmissible to the U.S. as a national security threat and
returned him to Australia. (BTS Daily Operations Report, 10 Dec 04;
HSOC 4714-04)
4. (FOUO) COLORADO: Investigation of Fraudulent Document Manufacturing
Organization Leads to Four Arrests. According to BTS reporting, on 8
December, in Denver, ICE agents searched two locations used for
fraudulent document manufacturing. At the first search location, ICE
agents apprehended a U.S. citizen and a Mexican national for
violations of “identification document fraud” and fraud and “misuse of
visas and immigration documents. Agents also seized evidence of
document and visa fraud, as well as two firearms. At the second search
location, agents apprehended two Mexican nationals for administrative
violations; criminal charges are pending. Agents also seized
counterfeit document making equipment and one firearm. (BTS Daily
Operations Report, 10 Dec 04; HSOC 4718-04)
5. (FOUO) Massachusetts: ICE Agents Arrest Two on Fraudulent Document
Charges. According to BTS reporting, on 8 December, in Boston, ICE
Agents arrested Brazilian national Valdina SANTOS (DOB: 12/24/1960,
Alien nr: A96 416 030) who was involved in a large-scale fraudulent
document scheme. SANTOS sold a total of 25 documents to undercover
agents. SANTOS cooperated with agents and led to the arrest of illegal
alien Frank DASILVA (COB: Brazil; DOB: 07/11/1979). Agents seized a
computer CPU, $3,400 in cash, numerous blank documents and other
document manufacturing implements from DASILVA’s resident. SANTOS and
DASILVA are in the custody pending prosecution for
manufacturing/transferring fraudulent identification documents and
immigration document fraud. (BTS Daily Operations Report, 10 Dec 04;
HSOC 4719-04)
Homeland Security Information Network
Request for Information (RFI)
1. (FOUO) MARYLAND: Stolen Yankee Trails Charter Bus. According to the
Highway Information Sharing and Analysis Center (ISAC), between 7 and
8 December, a 2005 MCI J4500 Passenger Bus (Charter Motor Coach) was
reported stolen. The charter bus is described as white in color with
red and blue graphics on both sides reading “Yankee Trails” Coach #
276. The bus was last seen on I-95 southbound from the Ft. McHenry
Tunnel in Baltimore, on 8 December. The license tag number and VIN are
unknown at this time. If anyone sees a vehicle matching the below
photo, bearing Bus # 276, please call your local law enforcement
agency immediately. Law enforcement agencies are to direct inquiries
to Yankee Trails, at: (518) 286-2400 or (518) 438-0051; Toll-Free:
(800) 822-2400; Fax: (518) 283-3279 - Email: info@yankeetrails.com
(Highway ISAC #120904-1, 9 Dec 04; HSOC 4710-04)
[Image]
WARNING: This document is FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY. It contains
information that may be exempt from public release under the Freedom
of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552). This document is to be controlled,
handled, transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in accordance with
DHS policy relating to FOUO information and is not to be released to
the public or other personnel who do not have a valid “need-to-know”
without prior approval of the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101. Where appropriate,
U.S. person identities have been removed. Should your agency have a
requirement for particular U.S. person identity information, contact
the HSOC SWO.
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
[1 Page.]
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Homeland Security
Homeland Security Operations Center
Homeland Security Operations Morning Brief
15 December 2004
NOTICE: This document may contain initial and preliminary reporting
which may or may not be accurate or be supported by corroborative
information. The HSOC is actively evaluating the reporting to
establish its accuracy and to determine if it represents a possible
link to terrorism. If recipients have any additional or clarifying
information, please contact the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101
1. (FOUO) TEXAS / PUERTO RICO: Off Duty Flight Attendant Observed
Suspicious Behavior on board Commercial Flight. According to a
concerned citizen (off duty flight attendant) call-in to the Homeland
Security Operations Center (HSOC), on 12 December, the off duty flight
attendant observed seven males of possible Middle Eastern descent
behaving suspiciously. The off duty flight attendant and the seven men
were flying on board an American Airline flight from Dallas to San
Juan Puerto. The flight attendant described the suspicious behavior as
follows: the men appeared to be agitated and nervous; after the flight
was underway some of the men began moving around the plane changing
seats, strolling through the aisles in a very observant and deliberate
manner, sitting in seats with two other people in the row, (some which
were exit row seats); and walking back and forth to the lavatory
(multiple times for all men). The flight attendant also noted that
none of the men acknowledged or spoke to each other. Reportedly, the
American Airlines flight from Dallas to San Juan was used by the 911
hijackers for pre-operational planning, due to lack of passengers and
the ability to blend in with other passengers (Hispanic). (Patriot
Report: Concerned Citizen Call-in to HSOC, 14 Dec 04; HSOC 4766-04)
2. (FOUO) MICHIGAN: ICE Agents Arrest Kuwaiti National in Connection
to Fraudulent Citizenship Documents. According to ICE reporting, on 14
December, in Detroit, ICE and JTTF agents, assisted by local police
officers and other federal agents, arrested Mohamad CHEBLI (COC:
Kuwait, DOB: 09/20/1969, Alien nr: A40124698) for federal violations
related to reproducing naturalization or citizenship papers. Mohamad
Ibrahim CHEBLI is allegedly involved in marriage fraud in order to
facilitate the entry into the U.S. of his previous spouse. (ICE Daily
Summary, 14 Dec 04; HSOC 4772-04)
3. (FOUO) MICHIGAN: Border Patrol Agents Arrest Citizen of Iraq.
According to BTS reporting, on 13 December, in Port Huron, Border
Patrol agents (BPAs) arrested Saleim Yako HANA, (COC: Iraq, DOB:
08/07/1983, Alien nr: A72025194, RE-8 Refugee) and placed him in
removal proceedings. HANA was arrested on criminal charges. (BTS Daily
Operations Report, 15 Dec 04; HSOC 4773-04)
WARNING: This document is FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY. It contains
information that may be exempt from public release under the Freedom
of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552). This document is to be controlled,
handled, transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in accordance with
DHS policy relating to FOUO information and is not to be released to
the public or other personnel who do not have a valid “need-to-know”
without prior approval of the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101. Where appropriate,
U.S. person identities have been removed. Should your agency have a
requirement for particular U.S. person identity information, contact
the HSOC SWO.
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
[2 Pages.]
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Homeland Security
Homeland Security Operations Center
Homeland Security Operations Morning Brief
16 December 2004
NOTICE: This document may contain initial and preliminary reporting
which may or may not be accurate or be supported by corroborative
information. The HSOC is actively evaluating the reporting to
establish its accuracy and to determine if it represents a possible
link to terrorism. If recipients have any additional or clarifying
information, please contact the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101
1. (FOUO) UNITED STATES: USCG Bars Turkish Company’s Vessels.
According to USCG reporting, effective 13 December, the Commandant of
the USCG issued an order barring vessels of the Kaptanoglu Ship
Management and Trading Company (KSG) from entering U.S. territorial
waters. KSG vessels have had a significant pattern of crew members
illegally jumping ship while in U.S. ports over the past two years,
totaling 11 absconders and three deserters. The most recent incident
occurred on 15 November, when 4 crew members (1/5th of the total crew)
aboard the M/V H. HASAN YARDIM absconded in Baltimore, MD. To be
released from the order, the company must submit a plan to prevent
future ship jumpers and deserters. (COGARD, Washington, D.C, 13 Dec
04; HSOC 4784-04)
2. (FOUO) VIRGINIA: Search Warrant Executed at Business for Export
Violations. According to ICE reporting, on 14 December, in Herndon,
ICE agents, in conjunction with the Department of Commerce (DOC), and
the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, searched a named U.S.
company. Allegedly, the named U.S. company exported armored vehicles
and law enforcement equipment in violation of the Export
Administration Regulations (EAR). Three computers and numerous
business records were seized as a result of the search. A review, of
prior exports by the named U.S. company, indicates other possible
export violations. The named U.S. company has been the subject of
previous export violations and Project Shield America visits. (ICE
Daily Summary Operations Report, 15 Dec 04; HSOC 4785-04)
3. (FOUO) OHIO: CBP Officers Seized Material for Heavy Wall Pipe
Destined for Libya. According to ICE reporting, on 14 December, in
Cincinnati, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers seized an
outbound shipment consisting of a variety of materials used for making
heavy wall pipes. The items were initially detained on 9 June 2004, at
the DHL-Cincinnati International Freight Hub. The seizure was in
support of an ICE investigation concerning the activities of a named
company. In June 2004, ICE agents received information from the
Department of Commerce (DOC) regarding pipe-cutting components
allegedly purchased by the named company being transshipped through
Algeria to Libya in violation of the Libyan Sanctions. The
investigation is ongoing. (ICE Daily Summary Operations Report, 15 Dec
04; HSOC 4786-04)
4. (FOUO) CALIFORNIA: ICE Agents Arrested Lebanese Citizen for Falsely
Claiming U.S. Citizenship at Department of Defense Contract Site.
According to ICE reporting, on 15 December, in Los Angeles ICE/ JTTF
agents arrested George DAOU (COC: Lebanon, DOB 04/08/1978, Alien nr:
A72319337) at his residence for administrative immigration violations.
Reportedly, DAOU violated his immigration status by falsely claiming
to be a U.S. citizen when he began employment as a system
administrator for a Department of Defense (DOD) contractor. DAOU was
fired when he was unable to present proof of citizenship. DAOU entered
the U.S. as a B-2 visitor for pleasure in 1989 with authorization to
remain for six months. ICE/JTTF is continuing to investigate his level
of access as a DOD contractor. Criminal prosecution of DAOU is being
considered. (ICE Daily Summary Operations Report, 15 Dec 04; HSOC
4787-04)
5. (FOUO) PENNSYLVANIA: Electric Transformers Destroyed by Gunfire.
According to a named U.S. energy company representative’s call in to
the National Infrastructure Coordination Center, on 15 December, in
Hanover Township, two 15KV transformers were shot and damaged. A
witness reported seeing someone in a vehicle shooting at the
transformers. Both incidents were residential distribution
transformers and were within a mile of each other. Approximately ten
homes lost power, and both transformers were replaced within three
hours. The Pennsylvania State Police have been notified and are
investigating. (Patriot Report: NICC/Duquesne Light Call-in, 15 Dec
04; HSOC 4783-04)
WARNING: This document is FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY. It contains
information that may be exempt from public release under the Freedom
of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552). This document is to be controlled,
handled, transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in accordance with
DHS policy relating to FOUO information and is not to be released to
the public or other personnel who do not have a valid “need-to-know”
without prior approval of the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101. Where appropriate,
U.S. person identities have been removed. Should your agency have a
requirement for particular U.S. person identity information, contact
the HSOC SWO.
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
[2 Pages.]
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Homeland Security
Homeland Security Operations Center
Homeland Security Operations Morning Brief
17 December 2004
NOTICE: This document may contain initial and preliminary reporting
which may or may not be accurate or be supported by corroborative
information. The HSOC is actively evaluating the reporting to
establish its accuracy and to determine if it represents a possible
link to terrorism. If recipients have any additional or clarifying
information, please contact the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101
1. (FOUO) HAWAII: Private Security Employee Denies Pier Access to a
Suspicious Female. According to USCG reporting, on 22 November, at the
Young Brothers Pier in Nawiliwili Harbor, a private security employee
denied pier access to a suspicious female. The security employee asked
driver for her driver’s license, and she stated that she did not have
one. The security employee told the driver that she would have to drop
her passenger off and depart the area. The female driver left but
looped around and came back, then told security employee that the she
had found her license. She produced a Mexican driver’s license and an
I-586 (boarder crosser card B1/B2/BCC). However, she did not have a
valid passport with a stamp and did not understand Spanish. The
security employee told the females that they would need to leave, and
the female with the Mexican driver’s license became belligerent. An
investigation is on-going. (COGARD FIST Honolulu, 15 Dec 04; HSOC
4804-04)
2. (FOUO) ILLINOIS: Security Breach at Coast Guard Station—An
Unidentified Man takes Unauthorized Photos of Station House and
Response Boat. According to USCG reporting, on 15 December, at Coast
Guard Station (STA) Calumet Harbor, an unauthorized person
photographed the station house and a 25 ft response boat. Reportedly,
an unidentified man gained access to the area when STA personnel from
STA Calumet Harbor opened an access gate to facilitate maneuvering
trailered boats around the station. When approached by STA personnel,
the driver quickly fled to his vehicle and exited the station. He was
described as a white male, approximately six feet tall, in his mid to
late thirties, and with curly hair. He was apparently wearing a blue
shirt, jeans, and white tennis shoes. The station is unsure whether
the camera was digital or 35mm, however, the station’s security
cameras recorded the event. An investigation is ongoing. (USCG
Operational Summary, 17 Dec 04; HSOC 4805-04)
3. (FOUO) UNITED STATES / CANADA: CBP Officers Refuse Entry to
Canadian Citizen. According to BTS reporting, on 16 December, at the
Niagara Falls Rainbow Bridge, CBP officers refused entry to O’Neil
Tedford DAVIS (COC: Canada; PPN: VE362624; DOB: 06/23/1975) who
applied for as a visitor for pleasure. CBP officers identified DAVIS
as a match to a TECS TIPOFF identifying him as a threat if he enters
the U.S. ICE and JTTF were notified and declined to respond to the
port of entry to interview DAVIS. CBP Officers processed DAVIS for an
expedited removal. DAVIS returned to Canada. (BTS Daily Operation
Report, 17 Dec 04; HSOC 4803-04)
4. (FOUO) PENNSYLVANIA: CBP Officers Refuse Entry to Citizen of Mali
with Possible Terrorist Connections. According to BTS reporting, on 15
December, at Philadelphia International Airport, Amadou SOW (COC:
Mali, COR: France, DOB: 06/05/1982, PPN: A1052920) applied for
admission as a B-2 visitor for pleasure. CBP officers identified SOW
as the subject of a TIPOFF record alleging possible terrorist
connections. In SOW’s luggage, CBP Officers discovered several notes
that contained information on how to acquire a pistol and instructions
on what to say in order to get past airport security and immigration
officials. CBP Officers determined SOW to be inadmissible. SOW was
allowed to withdraw his application and return to France. (BTS Daily
Operations Report, 17 Dec 04; HSOC 4806-04)
5. (FOUO) VERMONT: CBP Interdicts Smuggling of Aliens from Special
Interest Country. According to BTS reporting, on 16 December, in
Swanton, CBP arrested three Canadian nationals attempting to smuggle
six Pakistani illegal aliens into the U.S. from Canada. The Canadian
nationals were identified as: Karim FORGET (DOB: 04/24/1985; Alien
nrs: A97 657 712), Syrian born Terek NASSER (DOB: 01/01/1985; Alien
nrs: A97 657 714); and Fadi HADDAD (DOB: 05/28/1986; Alien nrs: A97
657 713). The smuggled Pakistani nationals are identified as:
Asghar KHAN (DOB: 11/23/1967; Alien nr: A70 578 087)
Muhammad Sultan MUJADADEE (DOB: 07/10/1965; Alien nr: A97 657 640)
Mohammed CHAUDHRY (DOB: 01/12/1966; Alien nr: A97 657 638)
Abdur RAZAQ (DOB: 01/10/1961; Alien nr: A97 657 637)
Mohammed Imtiaz AZIZ (DOB: 05/05/1965; Alien nr: A97 657 636)
Habib Ur-Rehman QURESHI (DOB: 03/13/1967; Alien nr: A75 918 556)
The three smugglers legally entered at Highgate Springs, VT as B-2
Visitors. The Pakistani nationals are currently being detained without
bond awaiting removal proceedings. (BTS Daily Operations Report, 17
Dec 04; HSOC 4807-04)
6. (FOUO) CALIFORNIA / DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA: ICE Agents Arrest Two
U.S. Citizens for Arms Export Violations. According to BTS reporting,
on 15 December, in Los Angeles, ICE agents arrested two U.S. citizens
in connection with a 12-count federal indictment issued in the
District of Columbia for violations of the Arms Export Control Act.
The indictment stems from an investigation targeting the illegal
export of defense articles, including F-4, F-5, HAWK and TOW missile
parts to China and Iran. ICE was assisted by the Naval Criminal
Investigative Service and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service.
(BTS Daily Operations Report, 17 Dec 04; HSOC 4740-04)
WARNING: This document is FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY. It contains
information that may be exempt from public release under the Freedom
of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552). This document is to be controlled,
handled, transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in accordance with
DHS policy relating to FOUO information and is not to be released to
the public or other personnel who do not have a valid “need-to-know”
without prior approval of the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101. Where appropriate,
U.S. person identities have been removed. Should your agency have a
requirement for particular U.S. person identity information, contact
the HSOC SWO.
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
[5 Pages.]
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Homeland Security
Homeland Security Operations Center
Homeland Security Operations Morning Brief
20 December 2004
NOTICE: This document may contain initial and preliminary reporting
which may or may not be accurate or be supported by corroborative
information. The HSOC is actively evaluating the reporting to
establish its accuracy and to determine if it represents a possible
link to terrorism. If recipients have any additional or clarifying
information, please contact the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101
1. (FOUO) UNITED STATES / CHINA / SOUTH KOREA / KUWAIT: On-going Trend
of PRC Nationals Transiting to U.S. Using Photo Substituted Passports.
According to ICE Forensic Document Laboratory (FDL) reporting, CBP
officers in Chicago reported that two PRC nationals were intercepted
in Kuwait attempting to board a Kuwait Airways flight in possession of
photo substituted French passports. They obtained tickets from
Alfarwania TRV in Kuwait. CBP officers further reported this intercept
as an example of a continuing trend of PRC nationals utilizing altered
and/or counterfeit French, Singaporean, and U.S. passports to travel
to Chicago via Kuwait Airways flights. CBP officers in Seoul also
reported an on-going trend of PRC nationals transiting Seoul en route
to Cameroon, Togo, and other West African countries via Europe.
Reportedly, the subjects are then engaging in boarding pass swaps for
travel to the U.S., while transiting Paris and other European
airports. It was further reported that the airlines in Seoul continue
to board these subjects as they are in possession of genuine visas for
their purported final destinations in West Africa. (FDL Bulletin
2005B-05, 16 Dec 04; HSOC 4828-04)
2. (FOUO) NEW YORK: Dominican National Using Lost/Stolen Passport
Refused Entry. According to BTS reporting, on 16 December, Andres
ROSARIO Flores (COC: Dominican Republic; DOB: 11/30/1972; PPN 2080782)
arrived at JFK International Airport and applied for admission as a
visitor for pleasure, from Caracas, Venezuela. CBP officers determined
that the passport ROSARIO presented for admission had been reported
lost or stolen. Interagency Border Inspection System (IBIS) checks
revealed that the visa was issued to Antonio DELRIO Sone (DOB:
11/27/1963) at the American Embassy in Santo Domingo, Dominican
Republic. The National Automated Immigration Lookout System (NAILS)
indicated that the altered passport had been used for entries into the
U.S. in 1998, 1999, and 2001. ROSARIO also purchased a one way ticket
from Simon Bolivar Airport to JFK. CBP officers determined that
ROSARIO was inadmissible for fraud/misrepresentation and he was
processed for an expedited removal. (BTS Daily Operations Report, 18
Dec 04; HSOC 4829-04)
3. (FOUO) TEXAS: Individual Filming Aircraft. According to a concerned
citizen, on 19 December near the Dallas Ft. Worth airport, an unnamed
individual was filming aircraft. The reporting individual stated that
the videographer claimed to be an “airplane nut.” The reporting
individual also submitted a description of the videographer, his
vehicle, and a license plate number. (Concerned Citizen e-mail; HSOC
4823-04)
4. (FOUO) COLORADO: Suspicious Flight Training Requests. According to
TSA reporting, on 10 December, in Grand Junction, the owner of a
flight training school reported that three named individuals began
flight training, but later withdrew because the owner is involved in
litigation which they said made him “high profile.” One of the
individuals made comments about dealings with the Senate
Appropriations Committee and the Russian Mafia. A law enforcement
investigation revealed that one of the individuals had a criminal
record of a theft in 1984. (TSA-12-12744-04; HSOC 4812-04)
5. (FOUO) OHIO: Suspicious Activity at U.S. Nuclear Plant. According
to a Security Supervisor (named) call in to the Homeland Security
Operations Center, on 16 December, in Oak Harbor, a taxi cab entered a
named U.S. nuclear plant. The driver stated that someone had requested
his company’s services. During the encounter with security personnel,
a local police officer stopped by to provide assistance. A check
within the nuclear power plant was conducted for the caller of the
cab, with negative results. The driver left the facility property
without a passenger. Approximately ten minutes later, the cab was seen
by the local police officer, traveling in the direction of the nuclear
facility, and was stopped and questioned again. The cab driver stated
he had been re-dispatched to the facility to pick up an individual by
the name of “George.” The police officer called the nuclear facility
security office for confirmation, but security could not locate an
individual by the name of “George.” During the stop, an individual
phoned the cab company, and said “why have you involved the police.”
This led the police officer to believe the caller was in the immediate
vicinity observing the contact with the cab driver. The police officer
obtained the callers’ phone number via the cab company’s caller ID,
and attempted to call the individual. He called the number twice, and
both times someone answered, but refused to speak. Note: a reverse
search of the phone number produced negative results through
Choicepoint, but through reverse white pages, the number belongs to a
known U.S. company. Identity of the caller is still unknown. (Patriot
Report/ Call-in Davis Besse Nuclear Power Station, 17 Dec 04; HSOC
4809-04)
6. (FOUO) CALIFORNIA: Hiker Finds Explosives. According to press
reporting, on 19 December in Marin County, more than 30 families were
evacuated from their homes after a hiker discovered a large quantity
of TNT. Marin County Sheriff’s Department and the University of
California (UC) at Berkeley bomb squad responded to the incident. UC
Berkeley bomb squad requested and received technical assistance from
the Travis AFB EOD team. It was determined that the explosives were
too unstable to move and UC Berkeley bomb squad detonated them in
place. Approximately 36 pounds of explosives were destroyed. The
explosives were contained in rusty, green military-style ammunition
boxes and had military writing on them. Some of the boxes were buried
and appeared to be several years old. (Press, 19 Dec 04; HSOC 4819-04)
7. (FOUO) MARYLAND: Suspicious Individual with Various Weapons and a
Photo of Air Force One. According to Montgomery County Police
Department (MCPD) reporting, on 16 December, a U.S. named individual
called the MCPD claiming a weapon had been stolen from his home by
federal law enforcement agents conducting a covert operation in his
home. A few moments later the individual called back to say he had
found the weapon behind his couch. Officers continued to the home to
ensure it had not been broken into. The individual allowed the
officers into his residence. The officers observed numerous weaponry
items throughout the home, to include various IEDs and other
suspicious items, such as a Police SWAT Raid jacket, military
uniforms, camouflage attire, and various wigs and numerous boxes of
hair dye. Officers also recovered two bags that were converted in a
way to conceal fire weapons: the first was a computer bag with a U.S.
express mail company box inside and holes in front that allowed a gun
muzzle to fit and a slit that allowed a hand to be inserted to fire
the weapon; the second item was a tennis racket bag converted to hold
an M-16 rifle. The individual also had a large amount of paraphernalia
and information related to the assassination of JFK as well as photos
of Air Force One. The individual claimed the photos of Air Force One
were taken when the plane flew over his residence. The individual is
in currently in custody and an investigation is on-going. (MCPD; HSOC
4808-04)
8. (FOUO) WASHINGTON: Suspicious Individual. According to a concerned
citizen, on 19 December, in Seattle, a possible Middle Eastern male
approached the reporting individual, who was holding a yard sale. The
individual asked about laptop computers with high speed capabilities
and walkie talkies, stating he wished to purchase them for his friends
overseas. The reporting citizen also noted that the individual had
difficulty with driving; and understanding denominations of U.S.
currency. (Concerned Citizen; HSOC 4824-04)
9. (FOUO) WASHINGTON: Two Mexican Nationals Arrested at Contractor
Facility. According to BTS reporting, on 15 December, in Seattle, ICE
Special Agents conducted a joint operation with the Defense Criminal
Investigative Service and the Social Security Administration Office of
the Inspector General involving a named U.S. company, a contractor in
the Puget Sound region. Record checks identified two unauthorized
workers with access to secure areas in the facility. The operation was
conducted with the full cooperation of the owner of the contractor
facilityand resulted in the arrest of the two previously identified
unauthorized workers (determined to be Mexican nationals). As part of
its continuing investigation, Seattle ICE Special Agents served the
company with a Notice of Inspection and an administrative subpoena.
(BTS Daily Operations Report, 20 Dec 04; HSOC 4830-04)
10. (FOUO) CALIFORNIA / DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA / MASSACHUSETTES /
MICHIGAN / NORTH CAROLINA / PENNSYLVANIA / WISCONSIN: Production and
Sale of Fraudulent U.S. Identity Documents. According to FBI
reporting, as of 30 September, a group of illegal Mexican immigrants
were involved in the production and sale of fraudulent U.S. identity
documents in the Washington, D.C. area. The individuals are a part of
a national circuit working in Detroit, Michigan, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, Los Angeles, California, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Boston,
Massachusetts, and the North Carolina area. The fraudulent documents
consist of social security cards, employment authorization cards, and
green cards, and sell for $20 to $80. The fraudulent document vendors
work along various Washington, D.C. streets and solicit potential
customers. Street vendors take orders for the fraudulent U.S.
documents from unidentified customers who provide the identity
information they desire on the documents. Unidentified runners, who
belong to the group of Mexican immigrants, collect the personal
information as well as a photo from the street vendors and take the
information to an apartment for manufacturing. The apartment being
used at that time is coined a “document mill,” with locations changing
every couple of months to avoid police detection. Upon completion of
the document production, the unidentified runner takes the fraudulent
U.S. documents back to the street vendors, who exchange the documents
with the customer for cash. (FBI IIR 4 214 0123 05, 17 Dec 04; HSOC
4831-04)
Homeland Security Information Network
Request for Information (RFI)
1. (FOUO) DISCRICT OF COLUMBIA: Presidential Inauguration Advisory.
The Department of Homeland Security is seeking any information
concerning thefts of official vehicles, uniforms, badges, weapons and
explosives which may be used by individuals to access venues during
the Inauguration. Information can be accessed through the groove
spaces on JRIES: LE-Analysts, LE-Information Sharing, and CT.
Additional information is posted on the web portals: CT, EOC, and LE.
Please forward any reporting to the Senior Intelligence Analyst,
Homeland Security Operations Center, at (202) 282-8309. (Inauguration
Sub Committee for Intelligence, 17 Dec 04; HSOC 4810-04)
WARNING: This document is FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY. It contains
information that may be exempt from public release under the Freedom
of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552). This document is to be controlled,
handled, transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in accordance with
DHS policy relating to FOUO information and is not to be released to
the public or other personnel who do not have a valid “need-to-know”
without prior approval of the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101. Where appropriate,
U.S. person identities have been removed. Should your agency have a
requirement for particular U.S. person identity information, contact
the HSOC SWO.
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
[2 Pages.]
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Homeland Security
Homeland Security Operations Center
Homeland Security Operations Morning Brief
21 December 2004
NOTICE: This document may contain initial and preliminary reporting
which may or may not be accurate or be supported by corroborative
information. The HSOC is actively evaluating the reporting to
establish its accuracy and to determine if it represents a possible
link to terrorism. If recipients have any additional or clarifying
information, please contact the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101
1. (FOUO) PENNSYLVANIA: Cyanide Gas Released due to Facility Fire.
According to Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Services (PDES)
reporting, on 21 December, at the Electro-Plates of York Inc. in
Wrightsville, a fire broke out in the facility releasing highly toxic
chemicals. The facility manufactures multiple types of metal plating
substances (Chrome Plating). As such, the facility contains numerous
toxic chemicals to include Nitric Acid, Potassium and Sodium Cyanide.
These chemicals are currently being released into the air and the
local river system. Though under control, the PDES and local fire
department are letting the fire burn out naturally. The Pennsylvania
Department of Environmental Protection informed state and federal
agencies that highly toxic chemicals released from this fire have
contaminated the Susquehanna River. Reportedly, this will effect all
with water intake from the river system and the Peach-Bottom Nuclear
Power Plant. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been
notified, and a three-mile temporary flight restriction (TFR) has been
requested for the affected area. The population of Wrightsville,
approx 3000 persons, has been advised to take shelter indoors. (HSOC
DOD Desk Officer / NORTHCOM / PDES, 21 December 04; HSOC 4849 04)
2. (FOUO) GEORGIA: Concerned Citizen Renting Home to Two Turkish
Nationals Discovers Book on Suicide Bombers and Other Papers Written
in Arabic. On 20 December a concerned citizen, in Norcross, called-in
to the Homeland Security Operations Center to report suspicious
findings attributed to two named Turkish Nationals renting a home from
him. The concerned citizen stated that he noticed numerous papers
written in Arabic and a book that dealt with the reasoning behind
suicide bombers in one of the individual’s rooms. He further stated
that the individuals signed the rental agreement on the first of
November, but moved in two weeks later. Reportedly, one of the
individuals is employed as an events planner for a named company in
Atlanta, and the other one is a student at Georgia Tech University
studying language. (Patriot Report: Concerned Citizen Call-in to HSOC,
20 Dec 04; HSOC 4832-04)
3. (FOUO) NEW YORK: Border Patrol Agents Apprehend Two Pakistani
Nationals. According to BTS reporting, on 18 December, at the
Champlain border, Border Patrol agents (BPAs) arrested two Pakistani
nationals, Farhat GILLANI (DOB: 05/11/1967, Alien nr: A97 657 509) and
Amitiaz SYED (DOB: 03/12/1975, Alien nr: A77791745; SSN: 102-90-4428)
U.S. BPAs placed the individuals in expedited removal proceedings.
(BTS Daily Operations Report, 20 Dec 04; HSOC 4851-04)
4. (FOUO) ILLINOIS: ICE Special Agents Arrest Jordanian National.
According to BTS reporting, on 16 December, in Chicago, ICE and JTTF
agents arrested Jordanian (Palestine) national Yousef BARBARAWI (DOB:
02/16/1966, Alien nr: A95 442 195) at his immigration hearing after
the immigration judge had ordered him removed. The immigration judge
ordered BARBARAWI removed because he had overstayed his B-2 (visitor)
visa. In July of 2002, in Las Vegas ICE agents arrested BARBARAWI
after a traffic stop resulted in the discovery of $250,000.00 in the
vehicle he had occupied. (BTS Daily Operations Report, 20 Dec 04; HSOC
4852-04)
5. (FOUO) NEW YORK / DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA: Concerned Citizen Reports
Middle Eastern Male Behaving Suspiciously on Train. According to a
concerned citizen call-in to the Homeland Security Operations Center,
on 19 December, the concerned citizen witnessed a possible Middle
Eastern male behaving suspiciously on an Amtrak train. During a trip
from New York Penn Station to Washington D.C. Union Station, the
concerned citizen reported that the possible Middle Eastern male
switched back and forth between English and Farsi while talking on two
different cell phones for three hours (the whole length of the trip).
She further stated that the man acted very discretely covering his
mouth as he spoke on the phones. The concerned citizen reported the
incident to Amtrak security officials. (Patriot Report: Concerned
Citizen Call-in, 20 Dec 04; HSOC 4833-04)
6. (FOUO) NEW JERSEY: Concerned Citizen Describes Middle Eastern Male
Store Owner’s Behavior as Suspicious. According to a 20 December
concerned citizen call-in to the Homeland Security Operations Center,
the concerned citizen, in Leonardo, reported that a Middle Eastern
Male store owner behaved suspiciously. The concerned citizen made four
trips to an ink cartridge replacement store near his home anticipating
the store’s grand opening, and on the fourth trip, 17 December, he
engaged the owner, a Middle Eastern male, in friendly conversation.
During the course of the conversation, the store owner reportedly
stated that he used to work for “Osama Bin Laden”. The concerned
citizen stated that he could not determine if the man was joking or
not. The concerned citizen further stated that he became more
suspicious when the store owner asked for directions to Fort Monmouth,
NJ stating that he wanted to “drum up business for his company.”
(Patriot Report: Concerned Citizen Call-in, 20 Dec 04; HSOC 4847-04)
WARNING: This document is FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY. It contains
information that may be exempt from public release under the Freedom
of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552). This document is to be controlled,
handled, transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in accordance with
DHS policy relating to FOUO information and is not to be released to
the public or other personnel who do not have a valid “need-to-know”
without prior approval of the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101. Where appropriate,
U.S. person identities have been removed. Should your agency have a
requirement for particular U.S. person identity information, contact
the HSOC SWO.
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
[2 Pages.]
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Homeland Security
Homeland Security Operations Center
Homeland Security Operations Morning Brief
22 December 2004
NOTICE: This document may contain initial and preliminary reporting
which may or may not be accurate or be supported by corroborative
information. The HSOC is actively evaluating the reporting to
establish its accuracy and to determine if it represents a possible
link to terrorism. If recipients have any additional or clarifying
information, please contact the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101
1. (FOUO) UNITED STATES: UPDATE: Lost & Stolen French Passport
Intercepts by Ports of Entry. Background: According to 22 December BTS
reporting, on 25 July 2003, the Department of State (DOS) issued an
Intel Alert regarding a series of 5000 blank French passports, stolen
by hijackers in Marseille, France on 23 July 2003. The series,
03KD94801 through 03KD99800, was entered into TECS on the same date.
• Update: As of 20 December 2004, since the input of the lookouts,
twenty-five (25) hits on the series of lost/stolen passports have
occurred and resulted in the following actions:
o 10 individuals have been arrested and presented for criminal
prosecution.
o 8 individuals have been refused admission under the Visa
Waiver Program.
o 3 individuals were referred to an Immigration Judge for
hearings regarding Political Asylum claims.
o Information on one (1) individual was transmitted as an
Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS) passenger in Mexico and
was not encountered by CBP personnel.
o 1 passenger was not actually on board the aircraft when
sought by CBP personnel.
o 2 erroneous document numbers were entered into APIS
resulting in no match to lookouts. The documents and passengers were
researched and found not to be documents included in the stolen
series.
• The use of the Automated Targeting System – Passengers (ATS-P)
to identify hits, timely posting of lost/stolen passport information
and careful scrutiny of documents presented at ports of entry, have
all been part of the effort to ensure that persons attempting to use
lost/stolen documents are prevented from gaining admission into the
U.S., through use of these documents. (BTS Daily Operation Summary, 22
Dec 04; HSOC 0546-03)
2. (FOUO) UNITED STATES: Potential Major Marine Casualty – Cargo
Vessel POOLGRACHT. According to USCG reporting, on 22 December, Coast
Guard Regional Command Center, received notification that the cargo
vessel POOLGRACHT, a 372-foot vessel carrying 66,600 tons of ammonium
nitrate, experienced a 25-30 degree list (leaning 25-30 degrees) to
port while en route to Australia from Canada. The vessel’s master
believes that the list is a result of cargo shifting. At the time of
the initial report, the vessel was 330 nautical miles east of Newark,
NJ and requested permission to proceed to Providence, RI. The Coast
Guard approved this request for evaluation of the vessel’s stability
and diverted the Coast Guard Cutter SPENCER, a 270-foot
Medium-Endurance Cutter, to the scene to escort the POOLGRACHT into
Narragansett Bay where it will be directed to anchorage. The vessel is
expected to arrive in Narragansett Bay on the morning of 22 December.
(USCG Daily Operations Summary, 22 Dec 04; HSOC 4862-04)
3. (FOUO) CANADA / UNITED STATES: Canadian Citizen Positive No Fly
Match Denied Boarding. According to BTS reporting, on 21 December, TSA
authorities confirmed that United Express passenger Kahl AL-KASSAS
(DOB: 06/06/1974, COB: Qatar; COC: Canada) was a positive match to the
No Fly List. AL-KASSAS was denied boarding; he was attempting to fly
from Toronto, Canada to Washington Dulles. Law Enforcement Officials
detained KASSAS. (BTS Daily Operations Report, 22 Dec 04; HSOC
4850-04)
WARNING: This document is FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY. It contains
information that may be exempt from public release under the Freedom
of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552). This document is to be controlled,
handled, transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in accordance with
DHS policy relating to FOUO information and is not to be released to
the public or other personnel who do not have a valid “need-to-know”
without prior approval of the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101. Where appropriate,
U.S. person identities have been removed. Should your agency have a
requirement for particular U.S. person identity information, contact
the HSOC SWO.
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
[2 Pages.]
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Homeland Security
Homeland Security Operations Center
Homeland Security Operations Morning Brief
23 December 2004
NOTICE: This document may contain initial and preliminary reporting
which may or may not be accurate or be supported by corroborative
information. The HSOC is actively evaluating the reporting to
establish its accuracy and to determine if it represents a possible
link to terrorism. If recipients have any additional or clarifying
information, please contact the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101
1. (FOUO) UNITED STATES // ALGERIA: Algerian National with Suspected
Ties to 9/11 Hijackers Scheduled for Removal. According to BTS
reporting, on 22 December, the Headquarters Detention and Removal
reported that Algerian Samir ABDOUN (DOB: 09/02/1966, Alien nr:
A70176060) is scheduled to be removed from the United States on 28
December. ABDOUN is suspected of having ties to the September 11, 2001
hijackers. Reportedly, ABDOUN was acquainted with Mohdar ABDULLAH
(Alien nr: A75628802) and knew the San Diego based hijackers. It was
later determined that ABDOUN entered the U.S. in 1998 with a stolen
French Passport. There was insufficient evidence to sustain any
terrorist charges against ABDOUN and he was solely prosecuted on
immigration and social security fraud. (BTS Daily Operations Report,
23 Dec 04; HSOC 4877-04)
2. (FOUO) PENNSYLVANIA: Trespasser Arrested at Nuclear Generation
Station. According to National Response Center (NRC) reporting, on 22
December, in Limerick Township, at a named Nuclear Generation Station,
a named individual was arrested for trespassing in the “owner
controlled area”. Reportedly, the trespasser drove his jeep towards
the pump house, turned around, and then drove away from the pump house
where he was intercepted by security. After speaking with the
trespasser, security decided to contact the Limerick Township Police
(LTP) at which time the trespasser became uncooperative. LTP arrived
and subsequently arrested the trespasser. The exact charges are
unknown at this time. According to a NRC Operations officer, explosive
sample tests were conducted on the trespasser’s vehicle. The first
test was positive, but three additional tests were negative. An
investigation is ongoing. (Patriot Report: NRC Operations Officer
Call-in to the HSOC, 22 Dec 04; HSOC 4867-04)
3. (FOUO) MICHIGAN/UNITED KINGDOM: ICE Information Leads to High
Technology Seizure in United Kingdom. According to BTS reporting, on
21 December, in Detroit, ICE agents reported that Her Majesty’s
Customs and Excise (HMCE), United Kingdom, seized a shipment of Global
Systems for Mobile equipment valued at approximately $4 million from a
named U.S. company in Rochester, Michigan, which was en route to Iraq.
ICE agents gathered evidence from the named business-site that
contributed to probable cause for the HMCE seizure. (BTS Daily
Operations Report, 23 Dec 04; HSOC 4879-04)
4. (FOUO) MICHIGAN: CBP Officers Deny Entry to Yemeni National Who
Falsely Claims U.S. Citizenship. According to BTS reporting, on 20
December, at the Detroit Windsor Tunnel, Mohammed Ahmad ALGAHIEM also
known as AL HAMIM (COC: YEMEN; DOB: 08/21/1971; Alien nr: A72979055)
applied for admission as a U.S. Citizen. ALGAHIEM presented a U.S.
passport (PPN: 301993568) that was subsequently found to belong to a
named U.S. Citizen. Upon further CBP investigation, an Egyptian
driver’s license with his photograph and a different date of birth in
the name of Mohamed ALGAHIEM was found in his belongings. ALGAHIEM
admitted to stealing the passport and further stated that he fears
returning to his home country because he stole the U.S. passport. CBP
officers determined ALGAHIEM to be inadmissible; he is being held
pending the disposition of his credible fear hearing. (BTS Daily
Operations Report, 23 Dec 04; HSOC 4880-04)
5. (FOUO) GEORGIA: Search Warrant for Evidence of Illegal Exports to
Iran. According to BTS reporting, on 21 December, in Atlanta, Agents
from ICE and the Department of Commerce (DOC) searched a named U.S.
company for evidence related to the illegal exportation of specialty
pipes destined for Iran. The named U.S. company is a wholesale
distributor of industrial pipes, valves and fittings. In February, DOC
and ICE agents seized a shipment of specialty pipes consigned to
Hyundai Engineering based in United Arab Emirates, valued at $150,000.
Proclad International Pipelines in the United Kingdom ordered the
pipes and provided initial instructions to the named U.S. company that
included shipping marks for Hyundai Engineering in Iran. The shipping
marks were later changed to omit the Iranian destination. Hyundai
Engineering is working on a $1.4 billion natural gas project in Iran
identified as South Pars. The named U.S. company is alleged to have
knowingly attempted to export the pipes to Iran in violation of the
International Emergency Economic Powers Act. (BTS Daily Operations
Report, 23 Dec 04; HSOC 4881-04)
6. (FOUO) OHIO/UTAH: Jordanian Arrested for Misrepresenting Ties to
Religious Organization. According to BTS reporting, on 21 December, in
Columbus, TSA notified ICE agents concerning an individual who was the
subject of NAILS and Tipoff records. Agents responded to the Columbus,
Ohio airport, where they located Jordanian national Nashat Salti Salem
HADDAD. Agents interviewed HADDAD and discovered that he had
originally entered the U.S. in October 2004 at Denver on a
non-immigrant religious worker visa. HADDAD indicated he was destined
for Provo, Utah for training sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints, but failed to board his connecting flight to
Provo and made no other contact with the church. HADDAD told agents
that he had instead gone to Chicago, where he stayed with some
friends, then traveled to Marietta, Ohio, where he has been working
and attending a bible college. The college was contacted and indicated
that HADDAD had been going to school and that they were attempting to
obtain an F-1 student visa for HADDAD. HADDAD claimed that he was
going to Washington D.C. to visit some friends and then returning to
Columbus. Agents found that he had only a one-way ticket. All record
checks through JTTF were negative, and the JTTF indicated that they
had no interest in the subject. Columbus agents arrested HADDAD and
placed him in removal proceedings for misrepresentation at the time of
his admission to the U.S. (BTS Daily Operations Report, 23 Dec 04;
HSOC 4876-04)
WARNING: This document is FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY. It contains
information that may be exempt from public release under the Freedom
of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552). This document is to be controlled,
handled, transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in accordance with
DHS policy relating to FOUO information and is not to be released to
the public or other personnel who do not have a valid “need-to-know”
without prior approval of the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101. Where appropriate,
U.S. person identities have been removed. Should your agency have a
requirement for particular U.S. person identity information, contact
the HSOC SWO.
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
[4 Pages.]
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Homeland Security
Homeland Security Operations Center
Homeland Security Operations Morning Brief
27 December 2004
NOTICE: This document may contain initial and preliminary reporting
which may or may not be accurate or be supported by corroborative
information. The HSOC is actively evaluating the reporting to
establish its accuracy and to determine if it represents a possible
link to terrorism. If recipients have any additional or clarifying
information, please contact the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101
1. (FOUO) UNITED STATES / CANADA: CBP Officers Initiate Expedited
Removal Proceedings Against Palestinian Born Canadian Citizen.
According to BTS reporting, on 21 December, in Buffalo, NY at the
Peace Bridge Port of Entry (POE), Tawfik DABBOUSEH (COB: Palestine;
COC: Canada; DOB: 05/25/1942, Alien nr A95423235) applied for
admission as a B-2 Visitor for pleasure. DABBOUSEH, accompanied by his
daughter Nesreen DABBOUSEH (DOB: 03/14/1975), was in a private vehicle
driven by Swee Leng LIM (DOB: 01/12/1948). A search of DABBOUSEH’s
wallet revealed a valid Florida driver’s license (D120813421850)
issued to him. DABBOUSEH admitted to owning a Florida business; T-N-T
Art & Frames. CBP officers determined that DABBOUSEH was inadmissible
to the U.S. as an immigrant not in possession of an immigrant Visa,
and initiated expedited removal proceedings. CBP officers allowed
Nesreen DABBOUSEH and Swee Leng LIM to withdraw their applications for
admission and return to Canada. (BTS Daily Operations Report, 24
December 04; HSOC 4915-04)
2. (FOUO) UNITED KINGDOM / NEW YORK: Removal Order Issued on
Individual who Falsely Claimed Ties to Al-Qaida. According to ICE
reporting on 21 December, federal agents arrested British national
Chukwuemeka Uzokinma NWAGBOSO (DOB: 05/31/1978) and will initiate a
VWP removal order (illegally present). Reportedly, agents received
information that NWAGBOSO told a female acquaintance he was a member
of al Qaida and that he knew Mohammed Atta. Federal agents found no
evidence that he was linked to any terrorist organization. NWAGBOSO
originally entered the U.S. under the VWP in February 2003 and failed
to depart within 90 days. (BTS Daily Operations Report, 23 December
04; HSOC 4916-04)
3. (FOUO) GEORGIA: TSA Screeners Detect Broken Knife Tip Inside Lining
of Ski Boot. According to BTS reporting, at Atlanta Hartsfield
International Airport, on 23 December, TSA screeners detected a broken
knife tip inside the lining of a ski boot. The knife tip,
approximately 2 ¼ inches in length, was discovered in the carry-on bag
of intended Northwest airlines passenger (Atlanta - Minneapolis St
Paul). Law enforcement officials cited the passenger on a state charge
of carrying a concealed weapon and issued him a notice to appear. LEOs
released the passenger to continue traveling, but Northwest Airlines
authorities denied his boarding. (BTS Daily Operations Report, 24
December 04; HSOC 4917-04)
4. (FOUO) NORTH CAROLINA: Pipe Bomb in Private Mailbox. According to
TSA reporting, on 25 December, in Denver, NC, a paper carrier spotted
a pipe bomb in the mailbox of a private residence and notified the
Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department. A bomb squad from adjacent Gaston
County removed the device and rendered it safe with no detonation. The
owner of the residence stated that his mailbox had been vandalized in
the past, but he did not know who might have done it. North Carolina
Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms is investigating. (TSA-12-13535-04, 25
December 04; HSOC 4918-04)
5. (FOUO) MONTANA: Suspicious Powder at Post Office. According to
Custer County Sheriff’s Office reporting, on 23 December, at the Miles
City post office, workers discovered a suspicious white powder. The
post office was decontaminated and restored to service. Test results
are not available at this time. (Custer County Sheriff’s Office, 23
December 04; HSOC 4885-04)
6. (FOUO) BRITAIN/NEW YORK: Individual Removed from No-Fly List.
According to TSA reporting, on 23 December, at Heathrow airport,
No-Fly listee Erdnich UCHKACH (DOB: 01/01/1967) attempted to board a
flight destined for JFK airport. After review of the case, officials
removed UCHKACH from the No-Fly list. (TSA e-mail, 23 December 04;
HSOC 4887-04)
7. (FOUO) UKRAINE/NEW YORK: Suspected Fraudulent Visa. According to
CBP reporting, on 24 December, at Boyspio, Ukraine Citizen Margareta
MOSYUK (DOB: 01/27/1956) presented a passport with a possible
fraudulent visa when attempting to board a flight to JFK airport.
Investigators determined the visa was valid, and MOSYUK was allowed to
fly. (CBP, 24 December 04; HSOC 4899-04)
8. (FOUO) TEXAS: Terrorism-Related Threats. According to 26 December
concerned citizen reporting, beginning on 24 December, in San Antonio,
a named individual made terrorist-like threats to the Security Service
Federal Credit Union. The reporting individual was able to provide
robust information personally identifying the individual making the
threats. The individual has no record of criminal activity. The issue
has been delegated to local law enforcement authorities. (Concerned
citizen, 24 December 04; HSOC 4910-04)
9. (FOUO) NEW YORK: Canadian Citizen Denied Entry to the US. According
to BTS reporting, on 25 December, at the Buffalo Peach Bridge, Afghani
born Canadian national Farid SHERZAY (DOB: 01/10/1978) applied for
admission as a visitor for pleasure. SHERZAY was identified as a match
to an IBIS record indicating possible terrorist activities. CBP
determined that SHERZAY was inadmissible and refused his admission
into the US. (BTS Daily Operations Report, 27 December 04; HSOC
4914-04)
10. (FOUO) GUAM: Underwater Incursion of a USNS Vessel. According to
USCG reporting, on 26 December, at the pier in Apra Harbor, Coast
Guard Marianas Section received notification that a diver had been
detained by Navy security after he was found swimming around the hull
of USNS PETERSBURG, an offshore refueling vessel of the Military
Sealift Command. The diver claims to be a Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) employee that accidentally found himself under
the naval vessel. Navy security is currently investigating the
incident. (USCG Operational Report, 25-27 December 04; HSOC 4919-04)
[Image]
Homeland Security Information Network
Request for Information (RFI)
1. (FOUO) VIRGINIA: Larceny From Police Officers Private Vehicle
Results in Stolen Police Identification Card, Badge, Two Loaded
Magazines, and Two Handguns. According to a RFI from the Danville
Police Department (DPD), on 23 December, Larceny from a police
officers personal vehicle resulted in the following stolen items:
• City of Danville Virginia police Identification card in the name
of William Henry Chaney
• One Silver police badge issued by the city of Danville Police Department
• One Silver police badge issued by Pittsylvania County Sheriff's
Office (Virginia)
• One Glock Model 22, 40 caliber handgun with a Lasermax laser
sight mounted on the weapon (serial nr: 879US)
• Two loaded magazines
• One .38 Caliber Taurus brand handgun with a blue finish
• Miscellaneous keys and Panasonic recorder
This information was provided in conjunction with a Homeland Security
request to Law Enforcement Agencies to provide information that may
effect the 2005 Presidential Inauguration. The weapons have been
entered into NCIC. This information has been broadcasted to the
Eastern seaboard by the Danville Police Department. Immediately,
contact the DPD at P.O. Box 3300, Danville, Virginia 24543 and/or at
telephone number (434)799-6510 with any information. (Patriot Report:
DPD, 24 December 04; HSOC 4897-04)
2. (FOUO) CALIFORNIA/VIRGINIA/GEORGIA: Police Investigate Muslims of
American Members Involved in Burglaries of Cellular Telephone Stores.
According to law enforcement information, in Hayward, the Hayward
Police Department is investigating several members of the Muslims of
America (MOA). Allegedly, the MOA members, involved in burglaries of
cellular telephone store, are tied to 11 burglaries throughout the
Central Valley and San Francisco Bay Area with loses totaling
approximately 800 phones. Reportedly, they remove the weather
stripping from a window and take the window pane out intact (along
with the alarm sensors). The suspects and some of the stolen phones
have been tracked via cell tower hits and bank records to Virginia and
Atlanta, GA. Police have a list of the serial numbers of all of the
stolen phones; contact the Hayward California Police Depart for
investigative assistance if needed. California law enforcement
entities are asked to check with burglary detectives to see if there
are similar cases involving cellular telephone stores. (JRIES RFI, 23
December 04; HSOC 4884-04)
WARNING: This document is FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY. It contains
information that may be exempt from public release under the Freedom
of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552). This document is to be controlled,
handled, transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in accordance with
DHS policy relating to FOUO information and is not to be released to
the public or other personnel who do not have a valid “need-to-know”
without prior approval of the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101. Where appropriate,
U.S. person identities have been removed. Should your agency have a
requirement for particular U.S. person identity information, contact
the HSOC SWO.
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
[1 Page.]
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Homeland Security
Homeland Security Operations Center
Homeland Security Operations Morning Brief
28 December 2004
NOTICE: This document may contain initial and preliminary reporting
which may or may not be accurate or be supported by corroborative
information. The HSOC is actively evaluating the reporting to
establish its accuracy and to determine if it represents a possible
link to terrorism. If recipients have any additional or clarifying
information, please contact the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101
1. (FOUO) DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA: Threatening Voice Message. According
to a call-in report, on 26 December, at the Air Transport Association,
a possible Middle Eastern male caller left a threatening message. The
message advised of an attack that would take place in Washington, D.C.
by the 31st of the month. Although the caller stated the name of the
organization plotting the attack, it was inaudible in the
message.(Call-in, 27 December 04; HSOC 4926-04)
2. (FOUO) MARYLAND: Suspicious Inquiry about Purchasing a Tractor
Trailer Container. According to a Call-in report, on 27 December, at a
retail supplier in Frederick, an individual inquired at the
establishment about purchasing a tractor trailer container full of
various size batteries. The individual stated that he wished to ship
the container to an unspecified destination “overseas”. He also stated
that he was a resident of Brooklyn, NY and would require the order to
be transferred to New Jersey. (Call-in, 27 December 04; HSOC 4927-04)
3. (FOUO) NEW JERSEY: Suspicious Activity at Critical Infrastructure.
According to a Call-in report, on 20 December, at a Dam in Morris
County, a Vehicle occupied by two males of possible Middle Eastern
descent entered a restricted area. A Dam employee approached the
vehicle and advised the subjects that they were on private property.
The two subjects claimed that they wanted to take one last look at the
reservoir and dam before they relocated to Florida. The Dam employee
ordered the subjects to leave the premises, informing them that local
law enforcement had been contacted. The vehicle took off at a high
rate of speed leaving the premises. (Call in, 27 December 04: HSOC
4929-04)
WARNING: This document is FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY. It contains
information that may be exempt from public release under the Freedom
of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552). This document is to be controlled,
handled, transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in accordance with
DHS policy relating to FOUO information and is not to be released to
the public or other personnel who do not have a valid “need-to-know”
without prior approval of the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101. Where appropriate,
U.S. person identities have been removed. Should your agency have a
requirement for particular U.S. person identity information, contact
the HSOC SWO.
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
[3 Pages.]
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Homeland Security
Homeland Security Operations Center
Homeland Security Operations Morning Brief
29 December 2004
NOTICE: This document may contain initial and preliminary reporting
which may or may not be accurate or be supported by corroborative
information. The HSOC is actively evaluating the reporting to
establish its accuracy and to determine if it represents a possible
link to terrorism. If recipients have any additional or clarifying
information, please contact the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101
1. (FOUO) TEXAS: Suspicious Activity at Dallas Infomart. According to
NICC reporting, on 28 December, in Dallas, INFOMART security responded
to a group of six individuals who were taking photographs both inside
and outside their building. Once security advised these individuals
about their policy of no pictures inside or outside without special
authorization, the party of six departed and proceeded on foot to the
Dallas Market Center. The Dallas Infomart complex contains 12 major
international communication carriers. The site is geared for fully
secure e-commerce, and for other sensitive data storage and
transmission needs. (Patriot Report: NICC Reporting to HSOC, 28 Dec
04; HSOC 4936-04)
2. (FOUO) CALIFORNIA: CBP Arrests Subject of State Department Visa
Revocation and NCIC Warrant. According to BTS reporting, on 28
December, Mexican national (BBC: MEX000349272) Abraham CANALES Aguilar
(DOB: 03/16/1959) attempted entry at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry,
California as a visitor for pleasure. Record checks revealed the visa
was revoked and FBI record #905177CB2 indicated a Felony conviction
for possession of narcotics and an outstanding warrant in San
Francisco. CANALES was determined to be inadmissible as nonimmigrant
not in possession of a visa or border crossing card. He is being
detained by CBP pending legal processing and extradition to San
Francisco. (BTS Daily Operations Report, 29 Dec 04; HSOC 4942-04)
3. (FOUO) TEXAS: Suspicious Jacket Found. According to CBP reporting,
on 23 December, Hebbronville Border Patrol Agents discovered a jacket
with an Arabic patch in a lay up area on Hwy. 285. The jacket had two
patches sewn on the back and one on the inside. The two patches on the
back were an Arabic Military Badge and a patch with the letters
“Daiwa” and the patch on the inside read “Midnight Mission”. DHS
translators concluded that the patch read, “Defense Center”, “Ministry
of Defense”, or “Defense Headquarters”. The bottom of the patch read
“Martyr”, “Way to Eternal Life” or “Way to Immortality”. The “Daiwa”
patch stands for a corporate company which sells Sport Fishing
products with corporate offices in eight countries including Japan,
the U.S., Australia, France, Germany, Taiwan, Thailand, and the UK.
The patch that was located inside the jacket read “Midnight Mission”.
The logo depicts an airplane flying over a building and headed towards
a tower.
[Image]
4. (FOUO) NEVADA: Attempted Sabotage of High Voltage Transmission
Lines. According to NICC reporting, on 27 December, two employees of
the named U.S. power company were performing a routine patrol of a
345kV transmission line, between a major generating station (Valmy)
and the Reno, NV area. The crew found three structures that had many
structural supports, nuts, and bolts removed. They repaired the three
structures and continued to inspect the power line, until poor road
conditions prevented the crew from continuing. On 28 December, the
crew returned to continue their line inspection, and discovered two
additional structures that were found to have structural supports
removed. These two structures were also repaired, and at this time no
other damaged structures have been discovered. This line is one of two
345kV lines that parallel each other, from the Valmy power station to
the Reno area. The named U.S. power company reports, that both lines
will be patrolled for their entire length (162 miles). It is apparent,
that the intent was to bring down the transmission line for an
extensive distance. If one tower collapses, up to eight more can be
brought down at the same time, because they targeted one out off every
four towers in the sequence. Reportedly, even if one transmission line
had been disrupted, enough redundancies in the system would have
prevented a blackout of Reno. Federal and Local Law Enforcement have
been notified and are investigating. (NICC Spot Report, 28 Dec 04;
HSOC 4938-04)
5. (FOUO) CALIFORNIA: Artfully Concealed Prohibited Item Discovered in
Cell Phone. According to BTS reporting, on 28 December, TSA screeners
at San Francisco detected an artfully concealed single-edged razor
concealed inside the cell phone of a named U.S. citizen during
checkpoint screening. The named U.S. citizen was cited to appear by
LEO’s and released to continue travel. (BTS Daily Operations Report,
29 Dec 04; HSOC 4943-04)
WARNING: This document is FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY. It contains
information that may be exempt from public release under the Freedom
of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552). This document is to be controlled,
handled, transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in accordance with
DHS policy relating to FOUO information and is not to be released to
the public or other personnel who do not have a valid “need-to-know”
without prior approval of the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101. Where appropriate,
U.S. person identities have been removed. Should your agency have a
requirement for particular U.S. person identity information, contact
the HSOC SWO.
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
[2 Pages.]
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Homeland Security
Homeland Security Operations Center
Homeland Security Operations Morning Brief
30 December 2004
NOTICE: This document may contain initial and preliminary reporting
which may or may not be accurate or be supported by corroborative
information. The HSOC is actively evaluating the reporting to
establish its accuracy and to determine if it represents a possible
link to terrorism. If recipients have any additional or clarifying
information, please contact the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101
1. (FOUO) TEXAS: Pipe Bomb Discovered Near Sparger Park Creek.
According to State and Local (S&L) reporting, on 29 December, a couple
discovered a pipe bomb near a creek in Sparger Park, Colleyville. The
object had a fuse type element protruding from the box. The
Colleyville Fire Department responded and detonated the object.
Reportedly, the detonation was powerful enough to send fragments
approximately 300 yards away. No injuries, fatalities, road closures,
or evacuations were reported. An investigation is on-going. (S&L
Situational Report, 29 Dec 04; HSOC 4956-04)
2. (FOUO) ILLINOIS: IEEPA Violator Arrested. According to BTS
reporting, on 28 December, Chicago ICE and Department of Commerce
(DOC) agents arrested a named U.S. citizen, at his Lexington, Kentucky
residence for his involvement in a conspiracy with another named U.S.
citizen to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act
(IEEPA). The investigation disclosed that they conspired to purchase
U.S.-origin forklift parts from the accused’s company, and diverted
the parts through the United Arab Emirates to the Sephan Lifter
Company in Iran. (BTS Daily Operations Report, 30 Dec 04; HSOC
4957-04)
3. (FOUO) NEW YORK: Ukrainian Nationals Attempt Entry with
Photo-Substituted Passports and Visas. According to BTS reporting, on
29 December, Ukrainian nationals Ivan SERNOWSKIY (DOB: 10/25/1968,
A97914917) and Maria FESTUK (DOB: 06/20/1975, A97914918) arrived by
bus at the Buffalo, NY Port of Entry (POE) claiming to be an Israeli
couple named Vyesheslav and Marya URMANOV. The couple applied for
admission as visitors for pleasure. SERNOWSKIY presented Israeli
passport 8400058 in the name of Vyesheslav URMANOV (DOB: 03/12/1965)
with a visa issued in Tel Aviv on November 29, 2000 (foil 41200881).
FESTUK presented Israeli passport 6830276 in the name of Marya URMANOV
(DOB: 06/20/1975) with machine-readable visa (20011717790001). The
Automated Biometrics Identification System (IDENT) checks resulted in
a fingerprint mismatch on Mr. URMANOV. The couple was referred to
secondary for further examination. NTC research revealed a recent
photo of Vyesheslav URMANOV which was forwarded to CBP officers for
comparison. SERNOWSKIY was confronted with the fingerprint and
photograph discrepancies and admitted his true identity. The U.S.
Attorney’s Office accepted this case for prosecution. CBP determined
both aliens were inadmissible to the U.S. (willful misrepresentation
of material fact), refused their admission, and detained them for
prosecution. (BTS Daily Operations Report, 30 Dec 04; HSOC 4958-04)
4. (FOUO) COLOMBIA/UNITED STATES: Money Launderer and Drug Trafficker
Arrested in Colombia. According to BTS reporting, on 28 December, the
ICE Attaché in Bogotá, Colombia reported that ICE and DEA agents
arrested Colombian national Dagoberto FLOREZ-Rios at a farm in
Medellin, Colombia. FLOREZ was transported by air to Bogotá, Colombia
by ICE agents for further processing. Previously, FLOREZ was indicted
for federal money laundering and drug trafficking violations. New York
El Dorado Task Force investigation revealed that FLOREZ has been a
high-level drug trafficker for the Norte Valle Cartel and was the
trusted right hand man to the Henao Montoya drug trafficking family.
FLOREZ was responsible for the smuggling of thousands of kilos of
cocaine into the United States and assisted in the laundering of
millions of dollars in drug proceeds back to Colombia. (BTS Daily
Operations Report, 30 Dec 04; HSOC 4959-04)
5. (FOUO) MICHIGAN: Significant Arrest. According to BTS reporting, on
29 December, Detroit Border Patrol Agents (BPAs) arrested Pakistani
national Asfand Yar KAHN (DOB: 09/28/1977, A98222864). KAHN was
encountered during transportation checks at the Detroit Greyhound Bus
Station. Criminal history checks revealed an outstanding warrant for
forgery in the 1st degree from Decatur, GA. Extradition was not
authorized in accordance with the warrant. KAHN has been detained and
is being processed for removal. (BTS Daily Operations Report, 30 Dec
04; HSOC 4960-04)
6. (FOUO) TENNESSEE: Passenger Arrested for Artfully Concealed Weapon.
According to BTS reporting, on 29 December, in Memphis, TSA screeners
detected an artfully concealed razor blade in the tennis shoe of a
U.S. named passenger. The blade was concealed in the toe of the shoe
under the insole and the subject divested the shoes during checkpoint
screening. The subject was arrested on the federal charge of carrying
a dangerous weapon onboard an aircraft. (BTS Daily Operations Report,
30 Dec 04; HSOC 4961-04)
7. (FOUO) MARYLAND: Possible Surveillance of Federal Building in
Baltimore. According ICE reporting 28 December, a Special Agent from
the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of
Inspector General (HUD-OIG) observed three individuals conducting
possible surveillance of two federal facilities in Baltimore, MD. The
two male and one female subjects, described as being of Middle Eastern
descent, were seen videotaping the US Customs House and the Appraiser
Building. Each of the subjects had their own camera. The agent
notified contract guards inside the Appraiser Building. When the agent
and guards went outside to contact the subjects, the three individuals
hid their cameras and departed the area, with each subject traveling
in a separate direction. The Baltimore City Police Department
Intelligence Unit was notified, and the matter has been referred to an
FPS Special Agent for further investigation. (ICE Daily Summary, 29
Dec 04; HSOC 4962-04)
WARNING: This document is FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY. It contains
information that may be exempt from public release under the Freedom
of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552). This document is to be controlled,
handled, transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in accordance with
DHS policy relating to FOUO information and is not to be released to
the public or other personnel who do not have a valid “need-to-know”
without prior approval of the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101. Where appropriate,
U.S. person identities have been removed. Should your agency have a
requirement for particular U.S. person identity information, contact
the HSOC SWO.
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
[2 Pages.]
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Homeland Security
Homeland Security Operations Center
Homeland Security Operations Morning Brief
3 January 2005
NOTICE: This document may contain initial and preliminary reporting
which may or may not be accurate or be supported by corroborative
information. The HSOC is actively evaluating the reporting to
establish its accuracy and to determine if it represents a possible
link to terrorism. If recipients have any additional or clarifying
information, please contact the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101
1. (FOUO) UNITED STATES/CANADA: CBP Officers Refuse Entry to Canadian
Citizen. According to BTS reporting, on 30 Dec, at the Toronto
pre-clearance station, CBP officers refused entry to Gezim HOXHAJ
(COC: Canada; PPN: JL467308) who applied for admission as a visitor
for pleasure. Interagency Border Inspection System (IBIS) checks
identified two records relating to the State Department revocation of
HOXHAJ’s visa (issued to his Albanian passport 0059066) due to his
possible involvement in espionage. Further research revealed that
HOXHAJ had attempted to enter the United States from Toronto on 18
December 2004 and was allowed to withdraw his application for
admission. HOXHAJ was advised to resolve the issue with the consulate
before attempting entry. (BTS Daily Operations Report, 31 December 04;
HSOC 4973-04
2. (FOUO) WASHINGTON: Significant Arrest. According to BTS reporting,
on 30 December, in Blaine, CBP Agents arrested Pakistani national
Qaiser MAHMOOD (DOB: 02/06/1958, A97548994) and his family whose names
are as follows:
• Pakistani national Uzma QAISER (DOB: 09/16/1971, A97548995)
• Pakistani national Urooj HASSAN (DOB: 04/17/1993, A97548996)
• Pakistani national Ozama KAMAL (DOB: 05/14/1994, A97548997)
• Pakistani national Heba MAHMOOD (DOB: 01/10/1998, A97548999)
• Pakistani national Shazeen MAHMOOD (DOB: 06/13/1995, A97548998)
MAHMOOD and his family subsequently overstayed their visas and went to
Canada and applied for refugee status. CBP reported that the family
was returned to the United States after having been denied refugee
status in Canada under the Reciprocal Arrangement between the U.S. and
Canada. MAHMOOD and his family were denied refugee status in Canada
due to the fact that MAHMOOD is linked to a possible terrorist group
in Pakistan called Mohajir Quami Movement-Haqiqi (MQM-H). MAHMOOD is a
positive match to a TIPOFF group in a list maintained by the U.S.
State Department. Qaiser MAHMOOD and family are being held awaiting
removal proceedings. (BTS Daily Operations Report, 1 January 05; HSOC
0002-05)
3. (FOUO) NEW YORK: Suspicious Photography. According to Ravenswood
Station Operations reporting, on 2 January, a Hispanic male was taking
photographs of the station. The station is a major power supplier for
Queens and Long Island. The station is large enough that it may draw
tourist attention. Local law enforcement has been notified.
(Ravenswood Station Operations, 2 January 05; HSOC 0008-05))
4. (FOUO) NEW YORK: Citizen of Canada Refused Entry. According to BTS
reporting on, 2 January, at the the Peace Bridge in Buffalo Pakistani
national Bilal Rasheed NADEEM (DOB: 11241981; PPN: JF425145) applied
for admission to the U.S. Canada’s National Risk Assessment Center
(NRAC) informed CBP that according to reports NADEEM was linked to the
Taliban. CBP determined that NADEEM was a positive TECS match. NADEEM
was found to be inadmissible to the U.S. and was allowed to withdraw
his application. (BTS Daily Operations Report, 3 January 05; HSOC
0009-05)
WARNING: This document is FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY. It contains
information that may be exempt from public release under the Freedom
of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552). This document is to be controlled,
handled, transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in accordance with
DHS policy relating to FOUO information and is not to be released to
the public or other personnel who do not have a valid “need-to-know”
without prior approval of the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101. Where appropriate,
U.S. person identities have been removed. Should your agency have a
requirement for particular U.S. person identity information, contact
the HSOC SWO.
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
[2 Pages.]
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Homeland Security
Homeland Security Operations Center
Homeland Security Operations Morning Brief
4 January 2005
NOTICE: This document may contain initial and preliminary reporting
which may or may not be accurate or be supported by corroborative
information. The HSOC is actively evaluating the reporting to
establish its accuracy and to determine if it represents a possible
link to terrorism. If recipients have any additional or clarifying
information, please contact the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101
1. (FOUO) CANADA / UNITED STATES: Egyptian Born Citizen of Canada
Attempts Entry; Criminal Prosecution Pending. According to BTS
reporting, on 2 January, at the Amtrak Train Station in Niagara Falls,
Samir Sami T. IBRAHIM (COB: Egypt; COC: Canada; DOB: 08/19/1958)
applied for admission as a Visitor for Pleasure. CBP officers
determined that IBRAHIM is an IBIS match for threatening assault on a
Federal Judge, obstruction, and the following removals from the United
States.
• On April 24, 1998, IBRAHIM was removed from the United States
following a guilty plea to obstruction.
• On May 6, 2000, IBRAHIM was removed from the United States to Canada.
• On April 10, 2002, IBRAHIM was arrested in Alabama for illegal
re-entry after deportation.
• On January 3, 2003, IBRAHIM was removed from the United States.
IBRAHIM is being detained pending prosecution for attempted illegal
entry after deportation (felony), and making false statements/willful
misrepresentation to Federal Officers. Research revealed that IBRAHIM
possibly had two social security numbers and two driver’s licenses,
Michigan and Tennessee. (BTS Daily Operations Report, 4 Jan 05; HSOC
0023-05)
2. (FOUO) SOUTH CAROLINA / DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA / NEW YORK: Individual
on No-Fly List Attempts to Fly on Independence Air. According to TSA
reporting, on 3 January, in Greenville, SC, a named individual (U.S.
Legal Permanent Resident), on the No-Fly list, attempted to board an
Independence Airline flight. The flight was en route to Washington
Dulles with continuing service to John F. Kennedy, NY. TSA authorities
notified federal law enforcement officials. The federal law
enforcement officials confirmed the named individual as a No-Fly list
match, denied him boarding, interviewed him, and subsequently released
the named individual. (TSA Spot Report, TSA-003-05, 3 Jan 05; HSOC
0024-05)
3. (FOUO) GEORGIA: Sheriff’s Department Reports Theft of Badges and
Identification Cards. According to 3 January 05 FBI reporting, in
Pickens County, during the period 28 to 29 December 04, police badges
and identification cards were stolen from the Sheriff’s Department.
The items belonged to the Sheriff’s Department and the Zell Miller
Mountain Parkway Drug Task Force. The theft consisted of four to six
Deputy Sheriff Badges, four to seven Detention Officer Badges, three
to five Court Baliff Badges representing Pickens County, and at least
three Special Agent Badges for the Zell Miller Mountain Parkway Drug
Task Force. The number of identification cards stolen was unknown, and
one Sherrif’s State Identification Card was stolen. (FBI IRR: IIR 4
214 01653 05, 03 Jan 05; HSOC 0020-05)
WARNING: This document is FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY. It contains
information that may be exempt from public release under the Freedom
of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552). This document is to be controlled,
handled, transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in accordance with
DHS policy relating to FOUO information and is not to be released to
the public or other personnel who do not have a valid “need-to-know”
without prior approval of the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101. Where appropriate,
U.S. person identities have been removed. Should your agency have a
requirement for particular U.S. person identity information, contact
the HSOC SWO.
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
[3 Pages.]
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Homeland Security
Homeland Security Operations Center
Homeland Security Operations Morning Brief
5 January 2005
NOTICE: This document may contain initial and preliminary reporting
which may or may not be accurate or be supported by corroborative
information. The HSOC is actively evaluating the reporting to
establish its accuracy and to determine if it represents a possible
link to terrorism. If recipients have any additional or clarifying
information, please contact the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101
1. (FOUO) NEW YORK: U.S. Citizen Pleads Guilty In Smuggling of
Albanians into the U.S. According to ICE reporting, on 3 January, in
New York, a named U.S. Citizen pled guilty to "conspiracy to commit
alien smuggling." The U.S. Citizen was part of a criminal organization
that smuggled over 1000 Albanian/Macedonian nationals into the U.S.
over the last ten years. In a separate arrest, ICE Agents arrested the
leader of the organization, who was identified by the National
Security Council as a significant threat to national security. To
date, 17 conspirators have been indicted. The investigation is
ongoing. (ICE Daily Summary of Operational Report, 4 Jan 05; HSOC
0037-05)
2. (FOUO) VIRGINIA: Man Pleads Guilty to Immigration Fraud. According
to ICE reporting, on 3 January, a named U.S. Citizen pled guilty in
U.S. District Court in Alexandria, Virginia to one count of
immigration fraud as the result of an investigation by ICE-Agents and
members of the Eastern District of Virginia Fraud Task Force. The U.S.
Citizen was an agent of the Chinese Indonesian American Society
(CIAS), and one of the subjects of Operation "Jakarta," a benefit
fraud investigation of CIAS and related organizations involved in
filing fraudulent asylum applications, driver's licenses, Social
Security numbers, labor certifications and I-140 (immigrant worker)
applications. The named U.S. Citizen, who was one of 26 subjects
arrested to date in this case, was released pending sentencing. It is
anticipated that additional subjects will be prosecuted in this
large-scale criminal conspiracy. (ICE Daily Summary of Operational
Report, 4 Jan 05; HSOC 0038-05)
3. (FOUO) DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. FPS Agents Investigate Suspected
Illegal Alien for Document Fraud. According to BTS reporting, on 30
December 2004, in the District of Columbia, FPS Officers arrested
Solvi CASTRO (DOB: Unknown) for fraud at the U.S. Department of the
Interior (DOI). Officers discovered that CASTRO was in possession of
what appeared to be a fraudulent DOI contractor identification badge.
CASTRO admitted that she had obtained the DOI badge using another
person’s name and biographical data. CASTRO, who was illegally in
the U.S. had also obtained a Social Security card and other documents
that allowed her to gain employment in the U.S. (BTS Daily Operations
Report, 5 Jan 05; HSOC 0039-05)
4. (FOUO) CANADA: Refusal of Admission to Tunisian National and
Canadian Citizen with Suspected Terror Ties. According to BTS
reporting on 4 January, in Montreal, CBP officers determined that Moez
TANGOUR (COB: Tunisia; COC: Canada; DOB: 04/07/1963) was a TIPOFF and
NO FLY match. CBP officers contacted ICE, who in turn interviewed
TANGOUR and his wife Rim Bent Mounier GHANNOUCHI (DOB: 08/06/1978). No
derogatory information was found for the wife; however, she did not
possess the proper documents. TANGOUR and GHANNOUCHI were not allowed
to board the flight; they departed the airport without incident. (BTS
Daily Operations Report, 5 Jan 05, HSOC 0034-05)
5. (FOUO) WASHINGTON: South African Born Canadian Citizen Refused
Admission at Blaine, WA. According to CBP reporting on 3 January,
Younus KATHRADA (DPOB: 10/16/1964, South Africa; COC: Canada;:)
arrived by automobile at Blaine, WA with his wife and their four
children seeking entry as visitors for pleasure. The vehicle was a
Lookout match for suspected terrorist ties and links to the Dar
Al-Madinah mosque and Rudwan ABUBAKER, an alleged explosives expert
killed in Chechnya. Younus KATHRADA lectures at the mosque and is
under investigation for violating Canadian hate crime laws, statements
related to jihad, and the situation in Israel. CBP Explosive Canine
Enforcement Officers checked the vehicle with negative results. ICE
and JTTF interviewed KATHRADA. KATHRADA was found inadmissible, not
being in possession of proper documents and he returned to Canada.
(BTS Daily Operations Report, 5 Jan 05, HSOC 0035-05)
6. (FOUO) ISRAEL: Citizen of Israel Subject of TIPOFF and TSA No Fly
has Visa Revoked on January 3. According to BTS reporting on 5
January, Samuel COHEN (DOB: 07/20/1969) arrived at LAX on COPA
airlines from Lima, Peru, seeking admission as a visitor for pleasure.
At LAX, the CT Watch determined that COHEN was a TIPOFF and NO FLY
match. Close coordination resulted in the Department of State (DOS)
revoking COHEN's visa on the spot. As a result of this revocation,
COHEN was found to not be in possession of proper documents and was
processed for an Expedited Removal. He is scheduled to depart 5
January, from the United States on COPA airlines flight CM303. (BTS
Daily Operations Report, 5 Jan 05, HSOC 0033-05)
Homeland Security Information Network
Request for Information (RFI)
1. (FOUO) DELAWARE: State Police Requests Information on any Extremist
Group or Individual who may Pose a Threat to Gubernatorial
Inauguration. The Delaware State Police (DSP) is conducting
vulnerability and threat assessments for their gubernatorial
inauguration, which will commence on 15, 16, and 18 January 2005. They
are requesting the assistance of any law enforcement agency, which may
have information concerning any extremist group and or extremist
individual that may pose a threat and or a danger to our gubernatorial
inauguration. Anyone with any information, please contact DSP
Detective Suzanne Baker via JRIES, email: Suzanne.Baker@state.de.us,
or at (302) 739-1496 or (302) 739-5996. (RFI Posted on HSIN/JRIES 4
Jan 05; HSOC 0027-05)
WARNING: This document is FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY. It contains
information that may be exempt from public release under the Freedom
of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552). This document is to be controlled,
handled, transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in accordance with
DHS policy relating to FOUO information and is not to be released to
the public or other personnel who do not have a valid “need-to-know”
without prior approval of the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101. Where appropriate,
U.S. person identities have been removed. Should your agency have a
requirement for particular U.S. person identity information, contact
the HSOC SWO.
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
[2 Pages.]
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Homeland Security
Homeland Security Operations Center
Homeland Security Operations Morning Brief
6 January 2005
NOTICE: This document may contain initial and preliminary reporting
which may or may not be accurate or be supported by corroborative
information. The HSOC is actively evaluating the reporting to
establish its accuracy and to determine if it represents a possible
link to terrorism. If recipients have any additional or clarifying
information, please contact the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101
1. (FOUO) CANADA/UNITED STATES: Jordanian National – Subject of TIPOFF
Records Refused Entry. According to BTS reporting, on 5 January, at
the Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Airport pre-clearance station, Nedam
ABED (DPOB: 03/12/1966, Jordan; PPN: VJ326829) applied for admission
to the U.S. as a B-1 visitor for business en route to Chicago, IL. CBP
officers identified ABED as a TIPOFF (member of a terrorist group)
match and a National Crime Information Center (NCIC) terrorist lookout
match. NTC checked the Consular Consolidated Database and discovered a
visa revocation related to ABED’s Jordanian passport (PPN: E245758) as
well as for his Border Crossing Card issued in Vancouver, British
Columbia, Canada. Based on the previously mentioned derogatory
information, NTC, TSC, and the CT Watch denied ABED entry into the
U.S. Later the same day ABED returned to the Edmonton pre-clearance
station and attempted to gain admission to the U.S. to board a later
flight. ABED was determined to be inadmissible as an alien who is
likely to engage in terrorist activities upon admission to the U.S.
(BTS Daily Operations Report, 6 Jan 05; HSOC 0054-05)
2. (FOUO) VERMONT: Border Patrol Agents Arrest Three Algerian
Nationals. According to BTS reporting, on 4 January, in Swanton at the
Highgate Springs Port of Entry, Border Patrol agents (BPAs) arrested
Algerian nationals Dalila HARTANI-HADDAR (DOB:04/05/1972; Alien nr:
A97 657 645), Waffaa HADDAR (DOB:06/24/1998; Alien nr: A97 657 646),
and Narimene HADDAR (DOB:01/06/2004; Alien nr: A97 657 647). They
entered the U.S. on 30 April 2004 as B-2 visitors for pleasure and
were determined to have overstayed their admission status. All three
were refused entry into Canada as refugees. All three were processed
for removal and are being detained pending the outcome of removal
proceedings. (BTS Daily Operations Report, 6 Jan 05; HSOC 0055-05)
3. (FOUO) INDIANA: Electric Power Company Employee Discovers Cut Lock
at Sub-station. According to National Infrastructure Coordinating
Center (NICC) reporting, on 3 January, in Fort Wayne, during a
sub-station check at a named electric power company, an employee
noticed a cut lock on the front gate. The gate was opened and some of
the non-critical yard fence ground wires were cut. No other damage was
observed, and the sub-station did not incur a loss of capability.
(Patriot Report: NICC/Electric ISAC, 5 Jan 05; HSOC 0048-05)
4. (FOUO) CALIFORNIA: ICE Agents Search Business Suspected of Illegal
Exports to Iran. According to ICE reporting, on 5 January, in Los
Angeles, ICE agents searched a named U.S. company suspected of illegal
exports to Iran. The named company shipped two containers of photo
processing equipment to Arman General Trading (AGT) in Dubai, United
Arab Emirates (UAE), for transshipment to Iran. Reportedly, this
shipment was conducted without the required licenses or other approval
issued by Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). (ICE Daily Summary
of Operational Report, 5 Jan 05; HSOC 0056-05)
WARNING: This document is FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY. It contains
information that may be exempt from public release under the Freedom
of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552). This document is to be controlled,
handled, transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in accordance with
DHS policy relating to FOUO information and is not to be released to
the public or other personnel who do not have a valid “need-to-know”
without prior approval of the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101. Where appropriate,
U.S. person identities have been removed. Should your agency have a
requirement for particular U.S. person identity information, contact
the HSOC SWO.
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
[1 Page.]
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Homeland Security
Homeland Security Operations Center
Homeland Security Operations Morning Brief
7 January 2005
NOTICE: This document may contain initial and preliminary reporting
which may or may not be accurate or be supported by corroborative
information. The HSOC is actively evaluating the reporting to
establish its accuracy and to determine if it represents a possible
link to terrorism. If recipients have any additional or clarifying
information, please contact the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101
1. (FOUO) SOUTH CAROLINA: Train Collision with Chemical Spill.
According to TSA reporting, on 6 January, the AP Wire reported that a
Norfolk Southern freight train collided with a parked Norfolk Southern
locomotive in Graniteville. Four rail tanker cars and two engines
derailed. One tanker car was carrying Sodium Hydroxide and the other
three tanker cars contained Chlorine. Reportedly, all four rail cars
ruptured and leaked. The reason for the collision is unknown at this
time. The state's emergency response team was dispatched to the scene
along with units from Little Rock, AR and TX. The first responders
arriving on the scene, passed out from chemical fumes and more than
100 people complained of respiratory problems. The South Carolina
Emergency Management Division confirmed that there were at least eight
fatalities. All deaths were caused by inhaling chlorine fumes,
except the engineer of the moving train who died during the crash.
Reportedly, 234 people were taken to six area hospitals for treatment,
with 53 admitted. As of 0500 EDT on 07 January, chlorine continues to
leak and the gas is setting near the ground as temperature drops. Air
monitoring is ongoing, and the condition is considered stable. (TSA
Spot Report: TSA-01-0495, 7 Jan 05; HSOC 0057-05)
2. (FOUO) UNITED STATES // FRANCE: French Officials Notify DHS
Concerning 38 Stolen French Passports. According to BTS reporting, on
5 January, the Paris, France Fraud Prevention Specialist assigned to
the American Embassy notified DHS that 38 legitimately issued French
passports had been stolen during the night of 23 December 2004 from
the City Hall of Villeneuve-la Garenne. Reportedly, none of the
stolen passports have been used to enter the U.S. since the date of
the theft. Lookouts have been created for the stolen passports. (BTS
Daily Operations Report, 7 Jan 05; HSOC 0068-05)
3. (FOUO) MICHIGAN: Border Patrol Agents Arrest Pakistani National.
According to BTS reporting, on 6 January, in Detroit, Border Patrol
agents (BPAs) arrested Pakistani national Adeel AFTAB (DOB:
10/11/1977, Alien nr: A98222896) for entry without inspection. In
response to a BPA request for identification, AFTAB presented a
Detroit Police Badge. BPAs seized the badge. AFTAB is being held
pending removal proceedings. (BTS Daily Operations Report, 7 Jan 05;
HSOC 0069-05)
4. (FOUO) TEXAS: Border Patrol Agents Arrest Jordanian National.
According to BTS reporting, on 6 January, in Dallas, Border Patrol
agents (BPAs) arrested Jordanian national Mohammad Qasem KANANAH (DOB:
10/23/1971, Alien nr: A97395744). Reportedly, KANANAH entered the
U.S. in Chicago on 11 December 1996 as an A-2 (Foreign government
employee: Jordanian Air Force Member). KANANAH was trained by the
U.S. Air Force and later deserted his unit. KANANAH is being held
pending removal to Jordan. (BTS Daily Operation Report, 7 Jan 05;
HSOC 0070-05)
WARNING: This document is FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY. It contains
information that may be exempt from public release under the Freedom
of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552). This document is to be controlled,
handled, transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in accordance with
DHS policy relating to FOUO information and is not to be released to
the public or other personnel who do not have a valid “need-to-know”
without prior approval of the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101. Where appropriate,
U.S. person identities have been removed. Should your agency have a
requirement for particular U.S. person identity information, contact
the HSOC SWO.
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
[1 Page.]
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Homeland Security
Homeland Security Operations Center
Homeland Security Operations Morning Brief
10 January 2005
NOTICE: This document may contain initial and preliminary reporting
which may or may not be accurate or be supported by corroborative
information. The HSOC is actively evaluating the reporting to
establish its accuracy and to determine if it represents a possible
link to terrorism. If recipients have any additional or clarifying
information, please contact the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101
1. (FOUO) CALIFORNIA: Agents Arrest Smuggled Middle Eastern
Nationals. According to BTS reporting, on 6 January, in Los Angeles,
ICE and JTTF agents arrested Jordanian nationals Hussam Ahmad KHALIL,
Emad Takleh KHALIL and Hattim HALEEM for violating state trademark
regulations related to adulterated oil. Reportedly, KHALIL has gained
substantial profit from this venture and has sent $30,000-$40,000 per
month to the Middle East. KHALIL, who is believed to be a member of
Hamas (a designated foreign terrorist organization), is also suspected
of involvement in wire fraud, trademark violations, alien smuggling,
harboring of illegal aliens, narcotics smuggling, and visa fraud.
Agents also arrested Omar OKOUR, Mahmoud KHALIL and Ziad SALEH for
unlawful presence in the United States. KHALIL and SALEH claim to
have paid $10,000 to a smuggler in Mexico to transport them into the
U.S. (BTS Daily Operations Report, 10 Jan 04; HSOC 0102-05)
2. (FOUO) UNITED KINGDOM // VIRGINIA: Citizen of the United Kingdom
Denied Entry Subject of a TIPOFF. According to CBP reporting, on 8
January, at International Airpor Nicolas Sy Wai JIM also known as
Abdullah Mohamed IBRAHIM applied for admission to the U.S. without
proper entry documents. JIM claimed to have left his passport at a
security checkpoint in London. CBP officers identified JIM as the
subject of a TIPOFF record (member of a terrorist group). CBP
officers referred JIM to secondary screening for an interview and
inspection of his luggage. Upon completion of inspection and
interview, CBP determined JIM to be inadmissible to the U.S. and
returned him to the United Kingdom. (CBP Morning Report, 10 January
05; HSOC 0103-05)
3. (FOUO) FLORIDA: Jordanian Born Citizens of Panama Denied Entry
Subjects of TIPOFF / No Fly. According to TSA and CBP reporting, on 9
January, at Miami International Airport, Kaled Ali SALAMAH AUAD and
his spouse Najihah Mohamed IBRAHIM DE SALAMAH applied for admission to
the U.S. CBP officers identified SALAMAH AUAD as the subject of a
TIPOFF record, TSA No-FLY, and NCIC Terrorist Organization Member
Lookout and that IBRAHIM DE SALAMAH was the subject of multiple TIPOFF
Records. CBP referred the couple to secondary screening for
interviews and luggage inspection. After completion of interviews and
inspection, CBP officers confirmed that SALAMAH AUAD and IBRAHIM DE
SALAMAH were matches to the TIPOFF record and found them to be
inadmissible to the U.S. TSA downgraded SALAMAH AUAD to a TSA
Selectee to facilitate his return to Panama. (TSIS e-mail, 9 January
05; CBP Morning Report, 10 January 05; HSOC 0094-05)
WARNING: This document is FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY. It contains
information that may be exempt from public release under the Freedom
of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552). This document is to be controlled,
handled, transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in accordance with
DHS policy relating to FOUO information and is not to be released to
the public or other personnel who do not have a valid “need-to-know”
without prior approval of the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101. Where appropriate,
U.S. person identities have been removed. Should your agency have a
requirement for particular U.S. person identity information, contact
the HSOC SWO.
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
[2 Pages.]
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Homeland Security
Homeland Security Operations Center
Homeland Security Operations Morning Brief
11 January 2005
NOTICE: This document may contain initial and preliminary reporting
which may or may not be accurate or be supported by corroborative
information. The HSOC is actively evaluating the reporting to
establish its accuracy and to determine if it represents a possible
link to terrorism. If recipients have any additional or clarifying
information, please contact the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101
1. (FOUO) NEW YORK/TURKEY: No-Fly Listee Aboard Aircraft. According
to TSA reporting, on 9 January, at JFK airport, Turkish citizen
Kursheed BEGUM boarded a Turkish Air flight bound for Istanbul. NTC
confirmed that BEGUM was a positive match for the No-Fly list. There
were no Air Marshals, VIP’s or high-value cargo on the aircraft.
Authorities determined BEGUM was not a threat and removed her from the
No-Fly list.(TSA e-mail, 10 January 05; HSOC 0097-05)
2. (FOUO) GEORGIA: FAMs Detain Passenger on Flight En Route to
Atlanta. According to 10 January TSA reporting, a female passenger
became hysterical on-board a flight bound for Atlanta. The passenger
moved to the forward area of the plane asking the first class
passengers where the black box was because the plane was going down,
and then began screaming and pounding on the cockpit door. The FAM
team onboard detained the passenger, and LEO’s met the flight upon
landing. LEOs interviewed the passenger and then transported her to a
local hospital for a psychiatric evaluation. (TSA-01-0861-05, 10
January 05; HSOC 0117-05)
3. (FOUO) NEW JERSEY: Unidentified Individual Cuts Fence at a Power
Switching Station. According to New Jersey State Police reporting, on
24 December 2004, in South Brunswick at a named U.S. company’s power
switching station, a fence was cut. Reportedly, an unidentified
individual entered the facility; however, nothing was stolen.
Additionally, it did not appear that the individual left anything
inside the facility. (New Jersey State Police, 10 January 05; HSOC
0107-05)
4. (FOUO) TEXAS: Bomb Threat, Alleged Explosives Transported on an
AFB. According to Texas State Operations Center (SOC) reporting, on
10 January, in Del Rio, Laughlin AFB received a bomb threat. Security
Dogs alerted to a truck entering the base; base security isolated and
searched the truck with negative results. Base security contacted a
civilian bomb squad unit who responded and found no explosives on the
truck. Reportedly, the truck and the driver, who was possibly of
Middle Eastern descent, were subsequently released after the truck was
cleared. (SOC e-mail report, 10 and 11 January 05; HSOC 0109-05)
5. (FOUO) NEW YORK: Suspicious Photography. According to NICC
reporting, on 10 January, in Long Island, a terminal operator, for a
named U.S. electric utility company, noticed a male individual in
front of the terminal taking photographs of the electric utility
company terminal and the New York Port Authority terminal. Upon being
approached by a terminal operator, the man produced identification
indicating that he was an intern with a named media corporation.
(Patriot Report: NICC e-mail, 10 January 05; HSOC 0110-05)
6. (FOUO) CALIFORNIA: Citizen of Panama Refused Admission, Processed
for Expedited Removal. According to BTS reporting, on 9 January, at
Los Angeles international, Rafiq SALAMA HAMAYEL (DOB: 03/27/1959;
Panama PPN: 1255413; COB: Jordan; COC: Panama) from Lima, Peru and
applied for admission as a visitor in transit to Hong Kong. CBP
officers discovered that SALAMA is the subject of an Interagency
Border Inspection System (IBIS) TIPOFF, National Crime Information
Center (NCIC) Terrorist Organization Member lookout and a Department
Of State National Security Entry-Exit Registration System (NSEER)
violator lookout. CBP officers determined SALAMA to be inadmissible to
the U.S. as a member of a terrorist organization and as a
non-immigrant not in possession of a valid visa. SALAMA was processed
for expedited removal and is to return to Peru on 11 January. (BTS
Daily Operations Report, 11 Jan 05; HSOC 0118-05)
WARNING: This document is FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY. It contains
information that may be exempt from public release under the Freedom
of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552). This document is to be controlled,
handled, transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in accordance with
DHS policy relating to FOUO information and is not to be released to
the public or other personnel who do not have a valid “need-to-know”
without prior approval of the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101. Where appropriate,
U.S. person identities have been removed. Should your agency have a
requirement for particular U.S. person identity information, contact
the HSOC SWO.
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
[2 Pages.]
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Homeland Security
Homeland Security Operations Center
Homeland Security Operations Morning Brief
12 January 2005
NOTICE: This document may contain initial and preliminary reporting
which may or may not be accurate or be supported by corroborative
information. The HSOC is actively evaluating the reporting to
establish its accuracy and to determine if it represents a possible
link to terrorism. If recipients have any additional or clarifying
information, please contact the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101
1. (FOUO) TEXAS: Bomb Threat, Alleged Explosives Transported on an
AFB. Background: According to Texas State Operations Center (SOC)
reporting, on 10 January, in Del Rio, Laughlin AFB received a bomb
threat. Security Dogs alerted to a truck entering the base; base
security isolated and searched the truck with negative results.
Reportedly, the truck and the driver, who was possibly of Middle
Eastern descent, were subsequently released after the truck was
cleared. Update: According to an 11 January Phone conversation with
the U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO) in Del Rio, the truck driver in this
incident was not of Middle Eastern descent. Reportedly, the truck
driver was a white male U.S. citizen who is a retired U.S. Air Force
veteran with psychological problems. He was taken to a local hospital
for evaluation and subsequently released. The man returned to the
base security gate where authorities arrested him as a public
nuisance. The local sheriff’s department and the federal authorities
were notified. (Phone call Del Rio USAO, 11 Jan 05; HSOC 0109-05)
2. (FOUO) LOUISIANA: Bangladesh National Arrested. According to BTS
reporting, in Lake Charles, on 11 January, Border Patrol agents (BPAs)
arrested Tanzina MOURI ALAM (COB: Bangladesh; DOB: 11/17/1973, Alien
nr: A97 491 293). BPAs processed her for removal proceedings and
released on her own recognizance. Of note, MOURI ALAM gained entry
into the U.S. in 2003 through marriage to naturalized U.S. citizen.
They were divorced one month later. (Daily Operations Report, 12 Jan
05; HSOC 0137-05)
3. (FOUO) NEW YORK: Canadian National Refused Admission. According
to BTS reporting, on 11 January, at the Rainbow Bridge, Niagara Falls,
Fateh Mohamed SRAJELDIN (COB: Syria; COC: Canada; DOB: 02/26/1951,
Canadian Citizen ID: 1889304) applied for admission as a visitor for
pleasure. SRAJELDIN is the subject of an Interagency Border
Inspection System (IBIS) TIPOFF for an NCIC Terrorist Organization
Member lookout and had six TECS entries related to prior entry
refusals. SRAJELDIN was found to be inadmissible as an immigrant not
in possession of a valid visa and he was returned to Canada. (BTS
Daily Operations Report, 12 Jan 05; HSOC 0131-05)
4. (FOUO) NEW YORK: Mexican National Refused Admission. According
to BTS reporting, on 10 January, at JFK International Airport,
Berenise CHAVEZ-DONAN (COC: Mexico; DOB: 10/20/1981; Mexican Border
Crossing Card 6500001; PPN: 1475166) arrived from Mexico City and
applied for admission as a visitor for pleasure. CBP officers
identified CHAVEZ as the subject of a Department of State visa
revocation. CHAVEZ was refused entry and returned to Mexico. (BTS
Daily Operations Report, 12 Jan 05; HSOC 0132-05)
5. (FOUO) TEXAS/LOUISIANA: Bomb Threat at Tottel Oil Refinery.
According to USCG reporting, on 11 January, the Tottel oil refinery in
Port Arthur, Texas, received a call from a male caller stating “Bombs,
bombs, bombs.” The call originated from a company out of Mandeville,
LA, that runs tugs, push-boats, and barges. The oil refinery ran a
sweep of their facility and doubled security at the waterfront. The
Mandeville based company swept all of their vessels and investigated
who might have placed the call. One of the company’s vessels, the
DALE ARTIGUE, pushing four empty barges, is moored at a fleeting area
in Port Arthur. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office authorities in Port
Arthur and the local police department with a bomb-sniffing dog were
to board the vessel to ensure that there were no bombs on board. The
facility has increased its security level and will remain at a
heightened alert until 15 January at which time they will re-evaluate
the security posture of the facility. (USCG Operational Summary, 12
January 05; HSOC 0138-05)
6. (FOUO) MASSACHUSETTS: Department of Defense Contract Employee
Pleads Guilty. According to ICE reporting, on 10 January, in Boston,
ICE reported U.S. citizen Ahmed MEHALBA (DOB: 03/13/1972) pleaded
guilty to federal violations related to gathering, transmitting or
losing defense information and making false statements. The plea is
the result of a joint federal investigation of MEHALBA who was a
Department of Defense contract linguist working at Guantanamo Bay,
Cuba. Upon his return to the U.S., CBP officers inspected MEHALBA and
found that he had numerous CDs in his possession. MEHALBA denied
having any business or government related material in his possession.
Review of the CDs disclosed that they contained classified
information. MEHALBA is scheduled to be sentenced on 9 March 2005.
This incident has received national media attention. (BTS Daily
Operation Report, 12 Jan 05; HSOC 0139-05)
WARNING: This document is FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY. It contains
information that may be exempt from public release under the Freedom
of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552). This document is to be controlled,
handled, transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in accordance with
DHS policy relating to FOUO information and is not to be released to
the public or other personnel who do not have a valid “need-to-know”
without prior approval of the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101. Where appropriate,
U.S. person identities have been removed. Should your agency have a
requirement for particular U.S. person identity information, contact
the HSOC SWO.
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
[2 Pages.]
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Homeland Security
Homeland Security Operations Center
Homeland Security Operations Morning Brief
13 January 2005
NOTICE: This document may contain initial and preliminary reporting
which may or may not be accurate or be supported by corroborative
information. The HSOC is actively evaluating the reporting to
establish its accuracy and to determine if it represents a possible
link to terrorism. If recipients have any additional or clarifying
information, please contact the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101
1. (FOUO) NEW YORK: ICE Agents Arrest Operation “Panda” Fugitive.
According to ICE reporting, on 11 January, in New York City, ICE
Agents located and arrested PAN Ping Chen, a citizen of the People’s
Republic of China. PAN had been a fugitive since early November 2004.
His arrest was a result of Operation “Panda,” an ICE-led task force
investigation, being conducted jointly with the Federal Bureau of
Investigation and the New York City Police Department, into Asian
organized crime and Asian criminal enterprises operating in New York
City. The investigation revealed that a loose confederation of
individuals acted in concert to carry out criminal activities
including alien smuggling, money laundering, extortion, drug
distribution, illegal gambling operations, and numerous acts of
violence in New York’s Chinatown. To date, 36 subjects have been
arrested as a result of this investigation. (ICE Daily Summary of
Operational Report, 12 Jan 05; HSOC 0158-05)
2. (FOUO) FLORIDA: Chinese Counterfeit Travelers Checks. According
to ICE reporting, on 5 January, a Deportation Officer (DO) of the
Broward Transition Center contacted the Bradenton Detention Center
(BDC) regarding possible counterfeit Visa traveler’s checks being
carried by two Chinese females. The DO stated that the Secret Service
interviewed the detainees and confiscated the counterfeit traveler’s
checks worth $1600.00. The two females were originally traveling with
six Chinese males when they were arrested. Since the males are
currently detained at the BDC, it was determined that a thorough
search of all their personal property should be conducted. During the
search BDC IEA's discovered that several of the Chinese males had
counterfeit traveler’s checks in their property. The Secret Service
contacted Bradenton DRO about a pending investigation into this
incident. The individuals involved and the amounts of counterfeit
traveler’s checks were: Bin Da LIN (A 97 663 619) - $800.00 -- Yi Wu
XIE (A 97 663 620) - $600.00 -- Zhi HUANG (A 97 663 621) - $200.00 -
Guan HUANG (A 97 663 622) - $400.00, and Ahong Da ZOU (A 97 663 625) -
$600.00. (ICE Daily Summary of Operational Report, 12 Jan 05; HSOC
0159-05)
3. (FOUO) CALIFORNIA / PANAMA: Refusal of Admission on Terrorist
Organizational Ties. According to CBP reporting, on 8 January, Los
Angeles Airport (LAX) CBP reported that Venezuela national Ali Hachem
DAHROUGE (DOB: 11181974), arriving from Panama was an exact TIPOFF
match. DAHROUGE was traveling with his brother Colombian national
Wisal Chakib Hachem HACHEM (DOB: 05241974). Additional CBP
information revealed that DAHROUGE is likely to engage in terrorist
activities, and is a member of a foreign terrorist organization.
HACHEM has an association with a terrorist organization. FBI and ICE
interviewed the subjects and recommended that they not be allowed into
the United States. Both were allowed to withdraw their application
for admission, and will be returned to Panama on 13 January. (BTS
Daily Operations Report, 13 Jan 05, HSOC 0160-05)
4. (FOUO) GEORGIA / JAPAN: Refusal of Admission Because of Terrorist
Ties. According to CBP reporting, on 12 January, Peruvian nationals
Violeta Kimiko NOMOTO HERRERA (DOB: 02201977) and her sister Yury
Wendy NOMOTO HERRERA (DOB: 09051982) arrived at the Atlanta
Hartsfield International Airport CBP Officers determined that Violeta
NOMOTO HERRERA is a TIPOFF match, and further investigation revealed
that Violeta NOMOTO HERRERA was inadmissible as a result of being a
member of a terrorist organization and as a non-immigrant without a
valid non-immigrant visa. JTTF and ICE interviewed both sisters.
Violeta Kimiko NOMOTO HERRERA was allowed to withdraw her application
for admission to the United States. Her sister Yury NOMOTO HERRERA
was also allowed to withdraw her application for admission. Both are
scheduled to depart the United States aboard DL 55 on January 13, and
will be returned to Tokyo, Japan. (BTS Daily Operations Report, 13 Jan
05, HSOC 0161-05)
5. (FOUO) TEXAS: ICE Investigation Leads to large CBP Seizure of
Counterfeit Goods. According to ICE reporting, on 7 January, Dallas
CBP inspectors seized over 8,000 counterfeit video player games,
remote controlled flying saucer sets, and single flying saucers from a
named import company. Information developed through previous meetings
conducted by undercover agents assigned to Operation “Charlatans” led
to this seizure. The domestic value of this seizure is $1,265,000.00.
(ICE Daily Summary of Operational Support, 12 Jan 05; HSOC 0162-05)
WARNING: This document is FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY. It contains
information that may be exempt from public release under the Freedom
of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552). This document is to be controlled,
handled, transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in accordance with
DHS policy relating to FOUO information and is not to be released to
the public or other personnel who do not have a valid “need-to-know”
without prior approval of the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101. Where appropriate,
U.S. person identities have been removed. Should your agency have a
requirement for particular U.S. person identity information, contact
the HSOC SWO.
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
[3 Pages.]
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Homeland Security
Homeland Security Operations Center
Homeland Security Operations Morning Brief
14 January 2005
NOTICE: This document may contain initial and preliminary reporting
which may or may not be accurate or be supported by corroborative
information. The HSOC is actively evaluating the reporting to
establish its accuracy and to determine if it represents a possible
link to terrorism. If recipients have any additional or clarifying
information, please contact the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101
1. (FOUO) MICHIGAN: Border Patrol Agents Arrest Lebanese National
with Possible Ties to Hezbollah. According to BTS reporting, on 12
January, near Marysville, Border Patrol agents (BPAs) arrested
Lebanese national Fadi Hussein NASSER (DOB: 01/28/1976; Alien nr: A98
223 310). BPAs arrested NASSER during a traffic stop and placed him
in removal proceedings. NTC checks revealed that the address listed
on NASSER’s MI driver’s license was possibly linked to Hezbollah and
another subject with possible terrorist ties, as well as narcotics
smuggling. Research revealed that NASSER entered the U.S. on 18 May
2001. (BTS Daily Operations Report, 13 Jan 05; HSOC 0182-05-05)
2. (FOUO) MARYLAND: Agents Search Home of Man Suspected of Illegally
Exporting Military Items to China and Iraq. According to ICE
reporting, on 11 January, Washington, DC ICE Agents executed a search
warrant at the Potomac residence of a named Polish national and lawful
U.S. permanent resident. Agents recovered documents, a computer, and
a firearm from the residence. The subject is under investigation for
violations of the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) relating to alleged
illegal exports of military items to the People’s Republic of China
and Iraq. He is currently in custody for immigration violations
relating to a prior felony conviction. (ICE Daily Summary of
Operational Report, 13 Jan 05; HSOC 0183-05-05)
3. (FOUO) NEW YORK: Agents Arrest Lebanese Man on Fraud Charges.
According to ICE reporting, on 12 January, New York City ICE Agents
arrested Murtada Ali BARAKAT (a/k/a Charles Vicente ALAVA) for
marriage fraud and false statements. BARAKAT, who was arraigned in
the Southern District of New York and held without bail, was arrested
as part of the Moslem BAIDOUN investigation. Moslem BAIDOUN is the
subject of a New York ICE/JTTF investigation being conducted jointly
with the New York City Police Department. Previously, on 13 December,
2004, a grand jury issued a twenty count indictment charging the
following subjects: Moslem BAIDOUN, Mohammad BAYDOUN, Hani BAYDOUN,
Hussain BAYDOUNE, Laila BAIDOUN, Ibrahim ISMAIL, Roque AVILES, Mohamad
CHEBLI, Salwa JABER, Salah Osman HIJAZI, Ghazi HIJAZI, Youseff AJAMI,
Hannaa Al-AJAMI, and Hassan DARWICHE. The arrest warrants were
executed without incident on 14 December. All of the above named
subjects were taken into custody with the exception of Hussain
BAYDOUNE, who is believed to be in Lebanon, and Roque AVILES, who
remains at large. (ICE Daily Summary of Operational Report, 13 Jan
05; HSOC 0184-05-05)
4. (FOUO) TEXAS: Refusal of Admission to a Possible Terrorist
Organization Member. According to BTS reporting, on 13 January,
Panamanian citizen and Colombian national Imad Turki ABUZENI WAKED
(PPN 1209644, DOB: 07/28/1976) arrived at Houston Intercontinental
Airport from Panama City, Panama. WAKED applied for admission as a
visitor for pleasure and presented a Panamanian Passport. ICE
interviewed WAKED and CBP identified WAKED as an Interagency Border
Inspection System (IBIS) lookout match, TIPOFF match, visa revocation,
and a NCIC terrorist organization member match. CBP found WAKED
inadmissible as a non-immigrant without a non-immigrant visa. WAKED
was processed as an expedited removal. (BTS Daily Operations Report,
14 Jan 05; HSOC 0185-05-05)
5. (FOUO) LOUISIANA: CBP Agents Arrest Subject of National Security
Investigation. According to BTS reporting, on 13 January, Lake
Charles CBP Officers arrested Pakistani national Fazal U. KHAN (DOB:
01/15/1970; A76 554 986) and placed him in removal proceedings.
Previously, KHAN was arrested by the FBI on October 27, 2004, as a
result of a JTTF national security investigation. On 6 January, KHAN
pled guilty to making false statements. (BTS Daily Operations Report,
14 Jan 05; HSOC 0186-05-05)
6. (FOUO) NEW JERSEY: UPDATE; Charter Bus Recovered. According to a
report from the Highway Information Sharing and Analysis Center (ISAC)
on 12 Jan 05, the bus was recovered in New Jersey. (Patriot Report,
12 Jan 05; HSOC 0163-05)
Homeland Security Information Network
Request for Information (RFI)
1. (FOUO) ILLINOIS: State Police Request For Information on
Suspicious Individual. According to JRIES/HSIN information, on 13
January, the Illinois State Police (ISP)/Statewide Terrorism
Intelligence Center (STIC) requested information on a named individual
who was stopped for a traffic violation on east bound I-80 (nearest
town Geneseo). The named individual stated he was just getting out of
the Air Force; however, according to the ISP officer, he did not seem
fit at 5'6, 250lbs, and was also very "filthy". The man further
stated he had just gotten his car out of storage in Nevada and was
headed to Massachusetts to see his wife. The vehicle he was driving
was a 2003 Nissan 4-door sedan with Nevada license plates. After a
consent to search, officers found two (2) helmets, one (1) flak
jacket, and four (4) gas masks. After contact with the Air Force,
STIC was told that the individual was not a member of any armed
services nor has he ever been. Quad Cities JTTF is going to interview
the suspect. Contact ISP/STIC at telephone number 217-524-6559 for
more specific information on this individual or if you have any
information relevant to this incident. (JRIES/HSIN: ISP/STIC RFI, 13
Jan 05; HSOC 0166-05)
WARNING: This document is FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY. It contains
information that may be exempt from public release under the Freedom
of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552). This document is to be controlled,
handled, transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in accordance with
DHS policy relating to FOUO information and is not to be released to
the public or other personnel who do not have a valid “need-to-know”
without prior approval of the Homeland Security Operations Center
Senior Watch Officer (HSOC SWO) at (202) 282-8101. Where appropriate,
U.S. person identities have been removed. Should your agency have a
requirement for particular U.S. person identity information, contact
the HSOC SWO.
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
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