How HSI Helps Dismantle Transnational Criminal Organizations

How HSI Helps Dismantle Transnational Criminal Organizations

Transnational criminal organizations are a major threat, but Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is working hard to take them down. HSI investigates all types of cross-border criminal activity and has unique access to criminal intelligence and tools to disrupt these dangerous groups.

HSI’s main goal is to investigate, disrupt and dismantle transnational crime. This includes going after drug traffickers, human smugglers, money launderers, and more. HSI agents are badass – they aren’t afraid to take down violent gangs and cartels.

Investigating Complex Networks

Taking down transnational criminal organizations is complicated work. These groups operate complex networks across international borders. HSI uses special investigative techniques and leverages partnerships to follow evidence wherever it leads.

For example, in Operation Raging Bull, HSI agents led a huge multi-agency case targeting the MS-13 transnational gang. By digging into financial and travel records, they uncovered connections between MS-13 cliques across the U.S., Mexico, and Central America. This allowed them to take down key leaders and seize assets like drugs and weapons. [1]

Following the Money

To really hurt criminal organizations, HSI goes after their money and assets. The groups depend on illicit profits moving across borders, so HSI tracks and seizes these funds.

In 2021, HSI seized over $1.4 billion in currency and assets related to criminal activity. This removes the incentives for further crime. HSI also uses anti-money laundering laws and other financial tools to disrupt criminal finance networks.

Leveraging Technology

HSI uses advanced technology to take down transnational criminals. Cutting-edge forensics help extract evidence from phones and computers. HSI’s cybercrime program fights criminals exploiting the dark web and cryptocurrency.

For instance, HSI participated in Operation Dark Gold, using bitcoin analysis to identify and arrest dark web drug traffickers. This innovative investigation led to over $20 million in cryptocurrency seizures. [2]

Collaborating with Law Enforcement Partners

HSI knows the value of teamwork. They lead or participate in coordinated law enforcement task forces to maximize impact against criminal networks.

A great example is Operation Crushed Ice. HSI partnered with other agencies in this nationwide effort against methamphetamine trafficking by Mexican cartels. The teamwork paid off – they arrested over 1,840 people and seized 14,000 pounds of meth. [3]

Training Foreign Partners

Since crime crosses borders, HSI works to improve international cooperation. They provide training and mentoring to build up law enforcement capacity in other countries.

For instance, HSI trained police units in the Dominican Republic on investigative techniques to disrupt drug trafficking groups. This helps dismantle criminal networks beyond U.S. borders. [4]

Supporting Prosecutions

Disrupting criminal activity is important, but HSI also supports bringing transnational criminals to justice. HSI agents work with prosecutors to build strong cases.

In 2021, HSI investigations led to over 4,000 criminal arrests and 3,000 indictments. Many cases resulted in significant prison sentences for gang members, traffickers, and other criminals. [5]

Protecting Borders and Infrastructure

HSI leverages unique border search authority to stop contraband and identify criminals. They also analyze vulnerabilities in trade systems and critical infrastructure.

For example, HSI’s Border Enforcement Security Task Forces identify individuals and items of interest at U.S. ports of entry. This provides valuable intelligence to combat smuggling by transnational criminal groups. [6]

Fighting Specific Threats

HSI targets specific transnational criminal threats as well. They aggressively pursue networks trafficking fentanyl and other deadly drugs. HSI agents take down human smuggling operations, infiltrate child exploitation groups, and seize stolen cultural property.

In one case, HSI Miami targeted airline employees smuggling drugs into the U.S. from South America. By arresting over 20 suspects, they significantly disrupted an internal conspiracy aiding drug traffickers.

Investing in Capabilities

HSI continues to invest in capabilities for fighting transnational organized crime. They deploy cutting-edge surveillance gear, enhanced forensics, and intelligence databases to agents in the field.

Recent initiatives include advanced undercover operations centers and a crisis response team ready to deploy globally. HSI is also growing partnerships via a new transnational organized crime center.

The Path Forward

Dismantling complex criminal networks is challenging, but HSI has a proven record of success. Their innovative investigative strategies and global reach enable significant blows against transnational crime.

HSI will continue enhancing capabilities and cross-border collaboration. Their brave agents remain dedicated to taking down transnational criminals that threaten national security.

Sources

[1] Operation Raging Bull

[2] Operation Dark Gold

[3] Operation Crushed Ice

[4] HSI Training in Dominican Republic

[5] HSI 2021 Statistics

[6] Border Enforcement Security Task Forces

Airline Employees Smuggling Drugs

HSI Investments in Capabilities