For Immediate Release
April 19, 2000

Washington D.C.
FBI National Press Office

Statement of FBI Director Louis J. Freeh:

The announcement today in Montreal represents more than success in this investigation. Cyber-criminals are no longer constrained by borders, limited now only by the breadth of the Internet and the ingenuity of those using the technology.

This and our other recent cyber-crime successes demonstrate the strengths to be drawn from an international law enforcement/private sector partnership.

With strong support from Congress, the FBI is positioned to tackle emerging threats like cyber-crime and cyber-terrorism. The bonds between the FBI and our international colleagues are stronger and more productive than ever. The level of private sector support and cooperation in these cases is unparalleled.

In this case, the combined efforts of technically skilled FBI and RCMP investigators and Department of Justice prosecutors coupled with substantial private sector support and cooperation, produced the result announced today in Montreal.