For Immediate Release
November 20, 2003

Washington D.C.
FBI National Press Office

Good morning.

On behalf of FBI Director Robert Mueller, I am pleased to be here today to represent the FBI. Operation Cyber Sweep is a coordinated initiative which targeted an array of cyber crime schemes that have victimized thousands of individuals and businesses worldwide, resulting in the loss of millions of dollars.

Cyber crime is, and will continue to be, one of the FBI's top priorities. As computers play a more prominent role in everyday society, we can expect criminals to continue to exploit vulnerabilities and utilize computers for illegal purposes.

To combat this threat, the FBI has taken a pro-active role, forming public and private alliances to maximize our response capabilities. Additionally, the FBI has developed partnerships with other state and federal law enforcement agencies, so as to lead the way in a coordinated response to this crime problem. Likewise, the FBI's Cyber Division has also embarked on a significant effort to improve our overseas capabilities, sending FBI personnel to offer training, as well as to help investigate cyber crimes when invited into a host country.

Although Operation Cyber Sweep represents a great stride against those who commit criminal activities via the Internet, the FBI recognizes that there is further work to be done. In conjunction with our law enforcement and private sector partners, the FBI will continue to aggressively pursue cyber criminals worldwide.

As always, the FBI welcomes the public's assistance in helping to successfully resolve these matters. Anyone with information regarding individuals engaged in criminal activity via the Internet is encouraged to call their local FBI office or to report the information online to the Internet Fraud Complaint Center at www.ifccfbi.gov.

Thank you.