State Dept Considering Closure of US Embassy Syria

Via the Office of the Spokesperson, January 20, 2012:

"While no decision has been made, we have serious concerns about the deteriorating security situation in Damascus, including the recent spate of car bombs, and about the safety and security of embassy personnel. We have requested that the government of Syria take additional security measures to protect our embassy, and the Syrian government is considering that request. We have also advised the Syrian government that unless concrete steps are taken in the coming days we may have no choice but to close the mission."

I hope that organized mob does not return for another attack while the Syrian Government is considering the State Department's request.   And I don't have an answer for this -- but just how much trust can you have on a government that has no compunction about killing its own people?

Update:
WaPo reported on January 24 that Syria’s foreign minister shrugged off warnings by the United States that it may close the US Embassy in Damascus due to inadequate security.

“That’s their business,” Walid al-Moualem was quoted as saying at a press conference in Damascus when asked about the threatened closure by a reporter from the U.S.-funded al-Hurra TV station. 

The US Embassy in Damascus is located on a busy intersection in the heart of the city, and apparently, the Syrian Government has been unresponsive to requests for greater security, including concrete barricades, not just from the US Embassy but also from other diplomatic missions in Damascus.  Two months ago, embassies and consulates of Jordan, Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and France were attacked by Syrian mobs.

Related articles

• Syria slams Arab League plan as 'intervention' (edition.cnn.com)
• Gulf Arabs push diplomatic assault on Syria (rt.com)
• US cuts back on staff at Damascus embassy (seattletimes.nwsource.com)
• Syria: Jordan Embassy Attacked (huffingtonpost.com)

 

 

 

 

US Embassy Syria: Further Reduction in Core Staffing Due to Deteriorating Security Situation

Below is a quick rundown of important dates for the US Embassy in Damascus:

• April 3, 2011: authorized voluntary departure for family members
• April 25,2011: the embassy went on ordered departure for family members and non-emergency staff
• July 11,2011:  Pro-Assad mob attacked the embassy, Syrian Security forces response was at slug rate
• July 12, 2011: embassy suspended all visa services until further notice
• Sept 9, 2011:  concern on the harassment and security of Ambassador Ford
• October 24, 2011:  U.S. Ambassador to Syria Leaves Damascus Amid Threats to Safety (NYT)
• October 2011: the embassy designated an unaccompanied post with restricted staffing
• December 6, 2011: Ambassador Ford returns to Syria (state.gov)

On December 22, 2011: Reduced staffing, possible reduction of consular services:

Travel Warning replaces the Travel Warning dated September 30, 2011, and is updated to reflect reduced staffing at the U.S. Embassy in Damascus and a possible reduction in consular services. U.S. citizens should not travel to Syria due to ongoing violence and civil unrest. The U.S. Department of State urges U.S. citizens currently in Syria to depart immediately while commercial transportation is available. The number of airlines serving Syria has decreased significantly since the summer months, and many of the remaining airlines have reduced their number of flights. U.S. citizens who must remain in Syria should limit nonessential travel within the country. For the time being, the Embassy continues to provide passport services, as well as other emergency services to U.S. citizens. However, staff levels at the Embassy are being further reduced. Visa services for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens may also be affected due to staffing levels. Our ability to assist U.S. citizens in an emergency is extremely limited and may be further constrained by the fluid security situation. 

January 10, 2012: Warden Message

Due to further reductions in U.S. Embassy staff and as a result of the deteriorating security situation, the Consular Section will no longer have hours during which it is open to the public.  Effective immediately, all consular services are by prearranged appointment only.  Please take this opportunity to review our most recent Travel Warning for Syria.  The U.S. Embassy strongly urges U.S. citizens in Syria to depart immediately.  To request an appointment for American Citizens Services, please contact us by email at acsdamascus@state.gov.  We will not always be able to answer your non-emergency phone inquiries during business hours. 

January 11, 2012: Further reduction in staffing

This Travel Warning replaces the Travel Warning dated December 21, 2011, and is being updated to reflect that on January 11, 2012, the Department of State has ordered a further reduction in staffing of the U.S. Embassy in Syria. Due to security concerns in Syria, in October 2011, the embassy was designated an unaccompanied post with restricted staffing.  The Department has decided to further reduce the number of employees present in Damascus, and has ordered a number of employees to depart Syria as soon as possible.  U.S. citizens should avoid all travel to Syria.  The U.S. Department of State urges U.S. citizens currently in Syria to depart immediately while commercial transportation is available.  The number of airlines serving Syria has decreased significantly since the summer months, and many of the remaining airlines have reduced their number of flights.  U.S. citizens who must remain in Syria should limit nonessential travel within the country.  Due to further reductions in U.S. Embassy staff and as a result of the deteriorating security situation, the Consular Section will no longer have hours during which it is open to the public.  Effective immediately, all consular services are by prearranged appointment only.  Our ability to assist U.S. citizens in an emergency is extremely limited and may be further constrained by the fluid security situation. 

Read in full here.



"We will triumph over this conspiracy," Bashar al-Assad told a cheering, clapping and flag-waving throng. President Assad blaming "foreign hands" sounds more and more like the Gaddafi during one of the late dictator's pretend rallies in Tripoli.

In the meantime, Ambassador Ford is not pulling any punches on the embassy's Facebook page responding to one commenter, "Can the Syrian government oppress a large part of the population that demands dignity and respect of basic human rights or is its violence making things even worse?"; telling another, "We've let you post on our Embassy Facebook page, and we welcome serious debate. You can lecture me and the embassy FB page about freedom of speech the day the Syrian government that you so strongly support allows criticism of the Syrian government's security policies to be aired on Ikhbariya Souriya or Addounia or Qanat Souriya."

Ambassador Ford, of course, is accredited to the Government of Syria and not the people of Syria. So while the Assad Government is in power, Ambassador Ford is a guest of that government; the same government who has the power to kick him out of the  country when it no longer see his presence in the country as useful.

I don't know how many core staffers are left at the embassy in Damascus. Its key officers list updated on December 13, 2011 includes Ambassador Ford with a few other officers plus the DCM pulling double duty as Acting Public Affairs Officer. I am confident that Ambassador Ford and his officers would not be left there if the embassy does not have sufficient security at the compound.  That said, sufficient security is useless without a strong assurance of protection by the host country.  That is, that the Government of Syria takes seriously its responsibility to protect our diplomatic mission, and not at a slug's response rate.

Related articles

• U.S. withdraws more embassy staff from Syria (politico.com)
• US cuts back on staff at Damascus embassy (mysanantonio.com)
• U.S. Pulls Some Staff from Embassy in Syria as Violence Escalates (abcnews.go.com)
• First Western journalist killed in Syrian uprising - CNN (edition.cnn.com)
• Syria offers 'deep regret' for French journalist's death (cnn.com)
• U.S. Pulls Some Staff from Embassy in Syria as Violence Escalates (abcnews.go.com)

 

 

 

 

Insider Quote: 'Getting off the X' in Iraq

"My security colleagues would call it 'getting off the X'. [...] We run. We go. We do not stand and fight. We will execute a high-speed J-turn and we will get as far away from the attackers as we possibly can."

Patrick Kennedy
Under Secretary of State for Management, U.S. Department of State
in As soldiers leave, U.S. diplomats face huge Iraq challenge

US Embassy Kinshasa Restricts Personnel and Family Members to Residences Until Further Notice

Ambassador Entwistle served
as an international election
observer in Kinshasa.
Photo from US Embassy Kinshasa/FB

The US Embassy in Kinshasa released an emergency message for U.S. citizens in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, announcing the embassy personnel restrictions and potential roadblocks in the aftermath of the country's presidential election.

12/6/2011 | The U.S. Embassy has restricted U.S. Embassy personnel and their family members in Kinshasa to their residences effective at 6 p.m. on December 6, 2011, until further notice.

At any time, there is the potential for roadblocks to occur spontaneously throughout the city, manned by police or military personnel.  In these situations, you are strongly advised to obey all commands by armed security personnel.

The U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa will have minimal staffing on December 6-7, 2011, and the Consular Section will be open only for emergency American Citizen Services.
The American School of Kinshasa (TASOK) will be closed from December 5-7, with further updates on Wednesday evening December 7.

A number of international airlines have cancelled flights in and out of Kinshasa on the 6th and 7th of December.

Further updates are planned daily at 6 p.m.  Additional messages may be sent on a more frequent basis as the security situation evolves.  As SMS capabilities have been limited and are likely to remain irregular and unreliable, it is important to frequently check your email messages and review Embassy Kinshasa’s website for the latest Emergency Messages to U.S. Citizens.

On November 28, U.S. Embassy personnel in Lubumbashi and Kananga were instructed to remain in place until further notice.

On December 2, the embassy informed U.S. Citizens in the DRC that U.S Embassy personnel are returning from Lubumbashi to Kinshasa due to general election related security concerns.

On December 4, the embassy issued a message reminding U.S citizens that Embassy personnel and their family members in Kinshasa are not permitted to travel outside the Gombe neighborhood, and are urged to exercise caution and remain vigilant at all times. This restriction includes travel to the N’djili airport.

Kinshasa is a consumable post, which means our embassy folks have edible foodstuffs and personal maintenance items at their residences and will not go hungry while they are restricted to their residences. However, there is no telling how long the restriction would last. 

DRC is also a critical crime post. The 2011 Crime and Security Report on Kinshasa indicates that the overall crime and safety situation in the DRC can best be described as tenuous and volatile.  The report which is put together annually by the embassy's security office also says that "the breakdown of civil order could occur at any moment in Kinshasa and is our most important security concern."

A 2009 report put the number of American citizens who live in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (mainly around Kinshasa) at approximately 1500.  A few American tourists visit the country annually and residents primarily include missionaries and business representatives.

Related articles

• Congo's delayed election results raise fears of a return to war (guardian.co.uk)
• Congo-Kinshasa: Kabila Leads in Partial Results From Polls (allafrica.com)
• Fears of violence overshadow DR Congo vote count (france24.com)
• Congolese protest in Ottawa turns violent (vancouversun.com)
• Kinshasa tense as DRC awaits vote results (aljazeera.com)
• Congo's Kabila Set to Extend Rule Amid Fears of Violence (businessweek.com)
• Partial Congo election results put Kabila ahead (ctv.ca)

 

 

 

 

Iranian Mob Attacks British Embassy in Tehran -- It's Dejavu All Over Again!

I went to bed last night after posting a piece on Moorhead C. Kennedy Jr.'s article on the US Embassy hostages and woke up this morning to news that an Iranian mob has attacked the British Embassy in Tehran. Like Yogi Berra says, it's dejavu all over again.  Video below Via RT:

Dorsa Jabbari, of Al Jazeera reporting from Tehran, said that the men indicate "they would not leave until they get direct orders to do so from the Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Hossein Khamenei." Excerpts below:

The British foreign ministry issued a statement saying it was "outraged" by the situation.
"It is utterly unacceptable and we condemn it," it said.

The Fars news agency also reported that six British embassy workers were freed by Iranian security forces and turned over to UK government representatives.
[...]
Our correspondent said that the police and various ministries had prior knowledge of the protest, which was organised by the student arm of the Basij armed group.

"Any such action of this could scale can never be independent in the Islamic Republic. These gatherings are always approved by higher officials," said Jabbari.
[...]
Iran's foreign ministry issued a statement saying it regrets the attack against the embassy, and that Tehran is committed to the safety of diplomats.

It's not like this has not happened before.

In 1979, a group of Islamist students and militants took over the American Embassy in Tehran in support of the Iranian Revolution.  US hostages endured 444 days of captivity until their release on January 20, 1981.

Not to make light of that horrible experience by our diplomats, but the Russians way back had to bury their whole diplomatic staff. 

In 1829, an Iranian mob stormed and destroyed the Russian embassy and decapitated the Russian ambassador, Alexander Griboyedov. He was Russia's ambassador to Qajar Persia, where he was massacred along with the whole embassy by the angry local mob. According to this entry in Wikipedia, the Russian government demanded severe punishment of those responsible. In fear, the court of Shah Fath Ali Shah sent the Shah's grandson Khosrow Mirza to Saint Petersburg, where he gave the Shah diamond to the Russian Tsar as a present. In 1914, the Shah diamond came to the Kremlin Diamond Fund, where it is exhibited as one of Seven Historical Gems.

Related articles

• British embassy in Iran attacked by protesters (telegraph.co.uk)
• British Embassy Attacked in Tehran. Is War In Iran Inevitable? (forbes.com)
• Iranian mob storms British Embassy in Tehran (cbc.ca)
• Iran: British embassy attack brings to mind US siege (telegraph.co.uk)
• Iranian Students Storm British Embassy in Tehran (time.com)
• Iran students storm U.K. Embassy in Tehran (cbsnews.com)

State Dept Issues New Travel Warning for Pakistan, the Wild, Wild West of South Central Asia -- But Where's The Sheriff?

On August 8, the State Department issued a new travel warning for Pakistan not only pointing to the potential danger to U.S. citizens throughout the country due to armed attacks including suicide bombings, but the widespread danger which includes false identification of individuals as intel operatives or private security contractors, spike in the prosecution for visa overstays,  severe restrictions in the travel of U.S. personnel, targeted killings and religious intolerance.  The kidnapping for ransom not just of foreign nationals but also of Pakistani nationals apparently has also increased dramatically nationwide.

Given the unpopularity of the United States in that country, I would not be surprise if consular access to incarcerated American citizens is also a very "challenging" endeavor for our consular officers in Pakistan.  Pakistan in my opinion offers the most dangerous assignments for our diplomats.  All posts in Pakistan except Quetta (25%) and Lahore (30%) get the same danger pay as the war zones of Iraq and Afghanistan at 35%.  But if you look at the attacks on diplomats and USG facilities, Pakistan is way ahead than either Baghdad or Kabul.

Excerpt from the new travel warning:

The presence of al-Qaida, Taliban elements, and indigenous militant sectarian groups poses a potential danger to U.S. citizens throughout Pakistan. Terrorists and their sympathizers regularly attack civilian, government, and foreign targets, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province. The Government of Pakistan has heightened security measures, particularly in the major cities. Threat reporting indicates terrorist groups continue to seek opportunities to attack locations where U.S. citizens and Westerners are known to congregate or visit, such as shopping areas, hotels, clubs and restaurants, places of worship, schools, or outdoor recreation events. Terrorists have disguised themselves as Pakistani security personnel to gain access to targeted areas. Some media reports have recently falsely identified U.S. diplomats – and to a lesser extent U.S. and other Western journalists and workers for non-governmental organizations (NGOs)– as being intelligence operatives or private security personnel.

Since January 2010, terrorists have executed coordinated attacks with multiple operatives using portable weaponry such as guns, grenades, rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), and suicide vests or car bombs in Peshawar, Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. Recent attacks included armed assaults on heavily guarded sites such as the naval air base in Karachi, the U.S. Consulate in Peshawar, police offices in Lahore and Karachi, military installations in Lahore, religious shrines including the Data Darbar shrine in Lahore and the Baba Farid Ganj Shakar shrine in southern Punjab, religious processions in Lahore, a hospital in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, and a food distribution center in Bajaur Agency.

U.S. citizens have been victims of attacks in the last few years.

On May 20, 2011, a U.S. consulate general vehicle in Peshawar was attacked, killing one person and injuring a dozen, including two U.S. employees of the mission.

On April 5, 2010, terrorists carried out a complex attack on the U.S. Consulate General in Peshawar, with several Pakistani security and military personnel killed or wounded.

On February 3, 2010, ten persons, including three U.S. military personnel, were killed and 70 injured in a suicide bombing at a new girls’ school in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

The October 2009 attack on the World Food Program headquarters resulted in serious injury of a U.S. citizen.

On November 12, 2008, a U.S. citizen contractor and his driver in Peshawar were shot and killed in their car.

In September 2008, over 50 people, including three U.S. citizens, were killed and hundreds injured when a suicide bomber set off a truck filled with explosives outside a major international hotel in Islamabad.

In August 2008, gunmen stopped and shot at the vehicle of a U.S. diplomat in Peshawar.

In March 2008, a restaurant frequented by Westerners in Islamabad was bombed, killing a patron and seriously injuring several others, including four U.S. diplomats.

On March 2, 2006, a U.S. diplomat, a Consulate General employee, and three others were killed and 52 people wounded when a suicide bomber detonated a car packed with explosives alongside the U.S. Consulate General in Karachi.

Visits by U.S. government personnel to Peshawar, Karachi and Lahore are limited, and movements by U.S. government personnel assigned to the Consulates General in those cities are severely restricted. U.S. officials in Islamabad are instructed to restrict the frequency and to minimize the duration of trips to public markets, restaurants, and other locations. Only a limited number of official visitors are placed in hotels, and for limited stays.

Depending on ongoing security assessments, the U.S. Embassy places areas such as hotels, markets, and/or restaurants off limits to official personnel. U.S. citizens in Pakistan are strongly urged to avoid hotels that do not apply stringent security measures and to maintain good situational awareness, particularly when visiting locations frequented by Westerners.

Access to many areas of Pakistan, including the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) along the Afghan border and the area adjacent to the Line of Control (LOC) in the disputed territory of Kashmir, is restricted by local government authorities for non-Pakistanis. Travel to any restricted region requires official permission from the Government of Pakistan. Failure to obtain such permission in advance can result in arrest and detention by Pakistani authorities. Due to security concerns the U.S. government currently allows only essential travel within the FATA by U.S. officials. Travel to much of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province and Balochistan is also restricted.

The Governor of the Punjab province and the federal Minister for Minority Affairs were assassinated in Islamabad in January and March 2011, respectively. There have been targeted attacks on a provincial minister in Balochistan, university faculty in Swat, and an Iranian diplomat in Peshawar. Suicide bomb attacks have occurred at Islamabad University, schools, rallies, places of worship, and major marketplaces in Lahore and Peshawar.

Reports of religious intolerance rose in 2010-2011. Members of minority communities, including a U.S. citizen, were victims of targeted killings. Accusations of blasphemy—a crime that carries the death penalty in Pakistan—against Muslims as well as non-Muslims also increased. Foreign nationals including U.S. citizens on valid missionary visas have encountered increased scrutiny from local authorities since early 2011. Local authorities are generally less responsive and do not operate with the level of professionalism that U.S. citizens may be accustomed to in the United States.

U.S. citizens throughout Pakistan have been arrested, deported, harassed, and detained for overstaying their Pakistani visas or for traveling to Pakistan with the inappropriate visa classification. U.S. citizens who attempt to renew or extend their visas while in Pakistan have been left without legal status for an extended period of time and subjected to harassment or interrogation by local authorities. In 2011, the number of U.S. citizens arrested, detained, and prosecuted for visa overstay increased markedly across the country.

U.S. citizens throughout Pakistan have also been kidnapped for ransom or for personal reasons. Reported kidnappings include the June 2011 kidnapping of a U.S. citizen in Lahore; the 2010 kidnapping of a U.S. citizen child in Karachi, and the 2009 kidnapping of a U.S. citizen official of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees in Balochistan. The kidnapping of Pakistani citizens and other foreign nationals, usually for ransom, continues to increase dramatically nationwide.

Read the whole thing here.

Related articles

• State Department: Americans targeted for visa issues in Pakistan (cnn.com)
• Three U.S. citizens charged with helping Pakistani Taliban (thehill.com)
• Pakistan, US try to narrow differences as officials meet - Reuters (news.google.com)
• Pakistan imposes travel restrictions on U.S. diplomats (cnn.com)
• US warns Pakistan over curbs on diplomat travel (seattletimes.nwsource.com)

NOC, NOC - Who's There? The Diplomats. The Diplomats Whoever You Are, You're Not/Not Allowed to Enter Peshawar

Because, obviously, friends don't let friends travel to such a dangerous place. Har! Har! Har!

There is a new low in the battered relationship between the United States and Pakistan. For the fourth time in several days, US embassy personnel were stopped by local Pakistani security forces from entering Peshawar for lack of something dainty called a "No Objection Certificate (NOC)."

Pakistan's The Nation reports that "the government of Khyber Pakhtun-khwa has banned the entry of foreigners in the province without No Objection Certificate (NOC) of Interior Ministry." Excerpt below:

"The sources said the KP government took this step due to the law and order situation in the province.

The Home Department issued instructions to IGP that without NOC of the Ministry of Interior, no foreign national including diplomats could enter the limits of Khyber Pakhtun-khwa. If any foreigner was found in violation of the orders, he might be taken into custody."

Here's more from the same report. Now, I imagined that its reporters have examined those diplomatic cars and are reporting objectively that they all are "bullet proof with latest jammers."

"In another attempt of violation of Pakistani law, seven US Embassy personnel tried to enter Peshawar without complete travel documents, however, the officials turned them back to Islamabad from Peshawar Motorway toll plaza here on Wednesday. Sources said that seven personnel of US Embassy were travelling in three separate vehicles bearing registration number SV-706, ST-169, Q.H -790 and all of them were bullet proof with latest jammers."

You can read in full here. Wash your eyes afterwards.

Elsewhere it has been reported that the US diplomats told the local officials that they had been told by the US embassy that a NOC was not required for entry into Peshawar. Pakistani officials, apparently informed them that possession of diplomatic passports was not enough. 

What -- it's like you went to sleep one day and the next day Peshawar is a different country, with its own foreign policy and bilateral arrangements?

This is kind of like having New York declare that all Pakistanis traveling there not only need US visas, they must also get a New York No Objection Certificate from the state. Or for that matter, having the states of California, Illinois, Texas and Massachusetts (where there are Pakistani diplomatic posts) declare that no foreigners, including Pakistani diplomats may travel to those states without written permission.

I take it that the Chinese are also required to get a NOC? Hookay. Then the Pakistanis could argue that this is not plain, old, harassment of US diplomatic personnel in Pakistan. 

I supposed it would also be quite easy to show that those Americans are not being singled out. If the public can see how many foreigners, including those who want to kill and maim Pakistanis and Americans have been apprehended in Khyber Pakhtun-khwa.

Say, you think those Afghan Talibans or other terrorists on training go line up at the office and apply for a NOC?

Related articles

• You: 2 US Embassy cars stopped in Peshawar (nation.com.pk)
• Pakistan blast targets US consulate vehicle (msnbc.msn.com)
• Peshawar blast targets foreigners (bbc.co.uk)

US Consulate General Cd. Juarez Warning: Threats of Violence Against USG Interests

Image via WikipediaThis was issued today, July 15. Chihuahua is the largest state in Mexico by area.  The three most important economic centers in the state are: Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, the state capital; and Delicias.

Threats of violence against U.S. government interests in Chihuahua

The U.S. Consulate General in Ciudad Juarez is issuing this Emergency Message for U.S. citizens in the state of Chihuahua (“Emergency Messages” were formerly known as “Warden Messages”).  The Consulate has distributed the following message to our staff:

Mexican authorities have captured key members of the cartels active in Juarez. These successes also bring with them the potential for an increase in violence. The cartels may seek to retaliate and increase their attacks against rival cartel members, Mexican law enforcement and/or the public in general.

Information has come to light that suggests a cartel may be targeting the U.S. Consulate in Ciudad Juarez or U.S. Ports of Entry.  In the past, cartels have been willing to utilize car bombs in attacks.  We ask American citizens to remain vigilant.

If the Consulate should receive any credible threat information that provides a specific time and place, that information will be disseminated immediately.

Read the whole thing here.

Related articles

• US warns of bombs at Mexico crossings (msnbc.msn.com)
• Ciudad Juarez, Mexico: Boy 12 Among 18 Murdered In Single Day Of Drug Cartel Violence (lostchildreninthewilderness.wordpress.com)
• Mayhem in big Mexico city rivals that on border (msnbc.msn.com)

AGNA PR: ArmorGroup North America Reaches Settlement and Oh, There Has Been No Finding or Admission of Liability

I have recently posted about the settlement reached by AGNA with the U.S. Government relating to allegations about its U.S. Embassy Kabul guard contract (read Armor Group North America (AGNA) and Affiliates Pay $7.5 Million to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations on US Embassy Kabul $189 Million Guard Contract | Friday, July 8, 2011).

AGNA has now released a statement about the settlement, not only disputing the Government's assertion, but also says its former employee's allegations lacked merit and points to the terms of the Settlement Agreement -- that "is is entered by the parties to avoid costly and disruptive litigation – and that there has been no finding or admission of liability."

Via PRNewswire:

ArmorGroup North America Reaches Settlement with Dept. of Justice Resolving Former Employee's Allegations

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla., July 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Today's settlement with the Justice Department involves conduct by personnel of ArmorGroup North America ("AGNA") prior to acquisition of ArmorGroup by G4S plc – and marks an end to the Government's inquiries regarding AGNA's performance of the US Embassy Kabul ("USEK") contract.

We sharply dispute all the Justice Department's assertions that there was a violation of the False Claims Act.  When G4S acquired ArmorGroup, it was aware that AGNA had difficulty in successfully performing the USEK contract.  Following the acquisition, WSI (a G4S subsidiary) took the necessary steps to improve AGNA's performance on the USEK contract and to rectify any outstanding issues.  At all times, the Embassy was secure.  The company conducted an extensive investigation of AGNA's pre-acquisition conduct – and worked closely with Justice Department lawyers, providing them thousands of pages of documents and the opportunity to interview ArmorGroup personnel.  We know that the evidence does not support the Government's allegations of a False Claims Act violation. 

We are adamantly opposed to any form of human trafficking, including use of prostitutes.  The Government alleges that, in 2007, AGNA was four months late in implementing the specific anti-human trafficking policy required under federal regulations and claims that some unidentified AGNA personnel frequented prostitutes during this 4-month period.  At all times AGNA prohibited any form of human trafficking, and did not tolerate violations.  Importantly, the specific policy required by Federal regulations was implemented by AGNA prior to the ArmorGroup's acquisition by G4S.  The sole individual confirmed to have frequented prostitutes was fired by AGNA in normal course when his conduct became known.   Further, the Government's allegations regarding the hiring of third country national guards and AGNA's compliance to FOCI requirements are not supported by the facts – nothing in AGNA's conduct violated the False Claims Act.

This case involves allegations made by a former employee.  The company's investigation and the investigation of the Government both confirmed that these allegations arose largely from a personal animosity of that former employee toward AGNA's supervisor of the work at the Embassy – another former employee who is named specifically in the Complaint, Mr. Nick Du Plessis.  Based on the company's review conducted as part of this case, Mr. Du Plessis was, in fact, an effective leader who played a key role in keeping the Embassy secure, and has been disparaged unfairly by the allegations.  The former employee's allegations are set forth in a Complaint filed with the Court in 2009 and also in the Settlement Agreement released by the Government today.  The company's investigation confirmed that the former employee's allegations lacked merit. 

The Government declined to intervene generally in the former employee's allegations.  Disappointingly, the Government decided that it would intervene in the case with regard to three specific issues which are narrowly described in the Settlement Agreement.  The settlement resolves with finality the three Government issues – and includes a release by the former employee of all of his allegations. 

The terms of the Settlement Agreement make clear that it is entered by the parties to avoid costly and disruptive litigation – and that there has been no finding or admission of liability.

Nick Schwellenbach, POGO's Director of Investigations writes: "The settlement is a victory for accountability, but ultimately may be unsatisfying for critics of the government's less-than-robust oversight of contractors. Can we really expect other contractors to see this settlement as a wake-up call? The State Department fell asleep at the switch with AGNA and still has yet to prove that it's serious about contract oversight and enforcement of trafficking in persons regulations."

Not sure I'd call it a wake up call.  Just that the "get out of court" card can be expensive.

Related articles

• "Spring Break in Kabul" Contractor Settles for $7.5 Million After DOJ Joins Whistleblower Lawsuit (pogoblog.typepad.com)
• Security Company Paid $7.5 Million After Complaints (nytimes.com)
• ArmorGroup settles Kabul guard case for $7.5M (seattletimes.nwsource.com)
• US Embassy sex scandal costs company $7.5 million (rt.com)

 

 

 

 

Pro-Assad “Mnhebak” Mob Attacks US Embassy Damascus, Syrian Forces Slug Rate Response at 0.03mph

Image via WikipediaVia Al Jazeera:

Supporters of the Syrian government have stormed the US and French embassies in Damascus, prompting strong condemnation by the two countries' officials.

Witnesses describing Monday's assault said the attackers smashed windows and raised a Syrian flag at the US diplomatic compound and wrote anti-American graffiti referring to the US ambassador as a "dog".

A US official said the mob breached the wall of the embassy compound before being dispersed by Marine Corps guards.

No buildings were entered and there were no injuries to embassy personnel, but the chancery building was damaged and Syrian security forces were slow to respond, the official said.

Following the attack on the embassy, the residence of the US ambassador was attacked by a mob.

Al Jazeera's Rula Amin notes that security in Syria is so tight that protesters would not have been able to get so close to the embassies without approval from the government. Click here to see a photo of the protesters scaling the walls of the US embassy.

In related news, Al Jazaeera also reports that Human Rights Watch official says interviews with defectors provide accurate and overwhelming evidence of massacres and that Syrian forces have been 'ordered to shoot protesters'.

Unless the protesters are in front of the US or French Embassies, that is; they surely would not be shoot because who will be left to throw the eggs and tomatoes?

TSB of The Skeptical Bureaucrat also covers this here.

Below is a note from Ambassador Robert Ford, posted in the embassy's FB page:

Outside the Embassy demonstrators complained about U.S. policy towards the Syrian government and my trip to Hama.

As I have said before, we respect the right of all Syrians – and people in all countries - to express their opinions freely and in a climate of mutual respect. We wish the Syrian government would do the same – and stop beating and shooting peaceful demonstrators. I have not seen the police assault a “mnhebak” demonstration yet. I am glad – I want all Syrians to enjoy the right to demonstrate peacefully. On July 9 a “mnhebak” group threw rocks at our embassy, causing some damage. They resorted to violence, unlike the people in Hama, who have stayed peaceful. Go look at the Ba’ath or police headquarters in Hama – no damage that I saw.

Other protesters threw eggs and tomatoes at our embassy. If they cared about their fellow Syrians the protesters would stop throwing this food at us and donate it to those Syrians who don’t have enough to eat. And how ironic that the Syrian Government lets an anti-U.S. demonstration proceed freely while their security thugs beat down olive branch-carrying peaceful protesters elsewhere.

The people in Hama have been demonstrating peacefully for weeks. Yes, there is a general strike, but what caused it? The government security measures that killed protesters in Hama. In addition, the government began arresting people at night and without any kind of judicial warrant. Assad had promised in his last speech that there would be no more arrests without judicial process. Families in Hama told me of repeated cases where this was not the reality. And I saw no signs of armed gangs anywhere – not at any of the civilian street barricades we passed.

Hama and the Syrian crisis is not about the U.S. at all. This is a crisis the Syrian people are in the process of solving. It is a crisis about dignity, human rights, and the rule of law. We regret the loss of life of all Syrians killed, civilians and security members both, and hope that the Syrian people will be able to find their way out of this crisis soon. Respect for basic human rights is a key element of the solution.

Perhaps if we move the US Embassy temporarily to Hama, the Syrian forces will leave the protesters alone? Given that the Syrian security forces at its fastest response rate had the speed of the slowest creature on earth -- that's the slug at 0.03mph, it would be a while before the protesters in Hama, 209 kilometers from Damascus would see the thugs, er security forces come and do something really bad. 

Related articles

• Protesters attack U.S. embassy in Syria (chron.com)
• Syrian protesters attack US embassy (independent.co.uk)
• US envoy target of pro-government Syrian protest (sfgate.com)
• Supporters of the Syrian Government Attack the US Embassy (slog.thestranger.com)
• Mob attacks U.S. embassy in Syria (calgaryherald.com)

US Embassy Bahrain's Ludovic Hood: Move was in the "context of the summer transfer season" -- ur kidding, right?

The Deputy Spokesman, Mr. Toner was dancing around the circumstances surrounding the departure of FSO Ludovic Hood from the US Embassy in Manama due to reported threats.  This report says that the campaign against Hood had been going on for two months with one of the most virulent attacks coming May 7 in an anonymous posting on a pro-government website that included links to photos of Hood and his wife on their wedding day and information on where Hood and his family lived.

The head of the office, the blog claimed, was "a person of Jewish origin named Ludovic Hood," and charged: "He's the one who trained and provoked the demonstrators to clash with the army" near the Pearl Roundabout that was the epicenter of the demonstrations.

Hood also was "the one" telling the opposition of the steps they should take "to inflame the situation," the posting claimed.

The blogger called for "honest people to avenge" Hood's role, gave the neighborhood in which he lived with his family in Manama, the capital, and promised to provide his street address. It linked to a wedding photo of Hood with his "Jewish wife, Alisa Newman."

One reporter got so dizzy from Mr. Toner's dance moves and finally requested a fill in the blanks briefing: "if you could say it in a full sentence: He was not transferred back to D.C. because of --"

QUESTION: Can you talk about this report that – about threats to one of your diplomats in Bahrain and his reassignment --
MR. TONER: Sure.
QUESTION: -- or relocation?
MR. TONER: My understanding on this, Matt, is this is – you’re talking about Ludovic Hood--
QUESTION: Yeah.
MR. TONER: -- who came back to the U.S. from Manama. He did just complete his tour in Manama and returned to Washington; he’s taken up a position here within the State Department. So he wasn’t recalled in his posting. As you know, our assignment cycle has already been set for, like, the last six months or so. That said, we are aware, as press reports have cited, that there were threats, accusations made against him on some websites, and obviously we take the safety of our diplomatic personnel very seriously. But in this case he was simply transferred back to Washington.
QUESTION: So it did – his coming back to D.C. had nothing to do with the --
MR. TONER: No.
QUESTION: Sorry?
MR. TONER: Yeah. No.
QUESTION: Are you investigating?
MR. TONER: It didn’t. It simply was his normal transfer. Sorry, am I not – no --
QUESTION: Well, no, I mean –
MR. TONER: We are – I guess I’m doing --
QUESTION: -- if you could say it in a full sentence: He was not transferred back to D.C. because of --
MR. TONER: I’m sorry. I’ll give you the quote. No, he was not brought back here because of these accusations or allegations.
QUESTION: The reports of these allegations were on government-affiliated or associated websites and media there. Have you made any representations to the Bahrain Government to stop baselessly accusing your envoys there?
MR. TONER: Well, again, we have no way to confirm that they were actually made by the government or people within the Government of Bahrain. I’m aware that they were on these websites. But it’s unacceptable that any elements there would target an individual, a diplomat, for carrying out his duties. But beyond that, I’m not aware that it was raised --
QUESTION: Is the Bahrain foreign minister meeting with Steinberg today?
MR. TONER: He is, actually.
QUESTION: Is that going to be a subject of discussion?
MR. TONER: I don’t know what – they’re going to speak broadly about regional issues and then, obviously, very clearly they’re going to talk about the bilateral issues, including steps to ensure that civil rights and human rights are respected and that the government works to foster a constructive political change, but I can’t specifically say whether that’s going to be raised.
[...]
QUESTION: Just to put a final point on this Hood incident, you’re saying that – I understand that his tour was coming to a close and he was coming home, but you’re saying he was not brought back early because of these incidents?
MR. TONER: My understanding is that he wasn’t.
QUESTION: You’re sure about that?
MR. TONER: As sure as – I said my understanding is that he was not brought back early.
QUESTION: My understanding is he was brought back several weeks early. I mean, we’re not disputing that his tour was coming --
MR. TONER: Right.
QUESTION: -- to an end, but --
MR. TONER: Right. My understanding is that it was not. While there were, obviously, concerns about his security – and again, we take the safety of our diplomats – and I don’t think we’re disputing that there were allegations or accusations, I guess, against him --
QUESTION: No, we’re not disputing that.
MR. TONER: -- and we view that as scurrilous. We condemn it. But as far as his transfer goes, I believe it was done just within the context of the summer transfer season.

This report says that Mr. Hood left Bahrain last Thursday. According to unnamed U.S. officials cited by the report, "during his final days in Bahrain, Hood was given security protection equal to that of an ambassador."

"The safety and security of our diplomatic personnel is our highest priority," the State Department in Washington said in a statement in response to inquiries from McClatchy Newspapers. "It is unacceptable that elements within Bahrain would target an individual for carrying out his professional duties."

It is reported here that in in his final message to his friends in Bahrain, Hood apologized that he had had to assume a low profile in his final weeks and couldn't say goodbye. In his message, he sounded like a man ordered home on short notice.

"Hello," he wrote. "I am leaving Bahrain today and moving back to Washington. I will start my new assignment at the State Department in June. I am sorry I was not able to say goodbye properly. Given recent developments affecting the Embassy, it was prudent for me to keep a low profile during my final weeks in Bahrain."

He was just transferred back to DC on a regular rotation. Right. It's not a state-sponsored targeting so no need to file a diplomatic protest. Right. To acknowledge that probably means the Deputy SecState would have to bring it up with the Bahraini Foreign Minister, like, "What are you trying to do targeting our people dude?" Except that Mr. FM of another great ally, may not like that, especially if delivered in an uppercase voice. 

Anyway, Mr. Hood will start work at the mothership in June; tomorrow is already June. He doesn't get any leave before he starts his new job?  Yeah. Sounds pretty regular.

Nothing to see here, just "normal rotation." Move along folks.

Now, what's in Bahrain, again? Right.

Related articles

• US eases travel warning for Bahrain (seattletimes.nwsource.com)
• Bahrain ready to host Grand Prix (news.bbc.co.uk)
• Bahrain opposition: 4th supporter dies in custody (sfgate.com)
• The Arab Lobby (cbsnews.com)

US Consulate General Peshawar: IED Targets Two Consulate Vehicles

Just a few days after a Saudi diplomat was killed by two men riding a motorcycle in Karachi, Pakistan, Al Jazeera is reporting that two US Consulate vehicles were attacked today in Peshawar.

At least one person has been killed and 10 others wounded after an attack on two US consulate vehicles in the northwestern Pakistani city of Peshawar.

Pakistani police said a roadside bomb struck two vehicles carrying foreigners on Friday, killing a Pakistani passer-by.

The US embassy later confirmed that two of its consulate vehicles had been targeted, and that one of them was badly damaged.

"Two vehicles of the US consulate were on their way to the consulate when they were attacked," US embassy spokesman Alberto Rodriguez said.

"One vehicle was damaged. There is no death among our personnel and there are no serious injuries," he added.

"Only one car was hit. In that car there were US citizen diplomats and a Pakistani driver."

Ijaz Khan, a police superintendent, told the Reuters news agency that two American security guards were slightly wounded, and were being treated at a US medical facility.

Al Jazeera's Kamal Hyder, reporting from the capital, Islamabad, said, "Because the vehicle was bomb proof, none of the people in the vehicle was killed."

Liaqat Ali, Peshawar police chief, said a local man riding on a motorbike was killed in the blast, which took place on a main road in the city.

Read Pakistan blast strikes US consulate convoy here.

A brief AFP video of the bombing aftermath is below:

The US Embassy is Islamabad has issued the following statement:

Terrorist Attack on U.S. Consulate Personnel in Peshawar | May 20, 2011

Islamabad- This morning, a vehicle belonging to the U.S. Consulate in Peshawar was hit by an improvised explosive device. The explosion damaged the vehicle, but no U.S. personnel were seriously injured. According to media reports, at least one person was killed and bystanders were injured.

We appreciate the support of Pakistani authorities, who responded immediately and are investigating the incident.

Our thoughts are with all those injured by this heinous attack.

The United States is committed to working with Pakistan in our joint effort to combat terrorism and to bring to justice those behind this attack.

We note that the Saudi diplomat who was killed a few days ago was reported in the news media as a security officer of the Saudi Consulate in Karachi and was killed on his way to work.  He was attacked by two men on a motorcycle. Sounds Ray-Davish enough? Except that the dead diplomat, apparently did not have a gun. If he had one, and shot first, he might still be alive today. Of course, he could have ended in a circus, too, but better that than dead. 

I'm not advocating that our diplomats run around with guns but aren't they like -- sitting targets over there? Their protection is supposedly the responsibility of the host country, but this is Pakistan! And we're still talking about a civilian surge?

A note on the official vehicles - thank heavens they were armored to the teeth! And I hope no one is thinking of self-drive in POVs in Pakistan right now as a morale issue. 

Related articles

• Roadside bomb hits US consulate vehicle, 2 killed 10 injured (nation.com.pk)
• Pakistan: militants attack US consulate staff (telegraph.co.uk)
• Pakistan Taliban claim responsibility for attack on U.S. convoy (thestar.com)
• Peshawar blast targets foreigners (bbc.co.uk)

US Mission Pakistan: Threat Against Americans in Karachi

Image via WikipediaUS Mission Pakistan issued a warden message on May 14, 2011 regarding threats to American citizens and US interests in Karachi:

This Warden Notice is to notify American citizens that the U.S. Consulate in Karachi has received information regarding a threat against American citizens and interests in Karachi over the next few days.

The Embassy reiterates its advice to all U.S. citizens to take measures for their safety and security at all times.  These measures include maintaining good situational awareness, avoiding crowds and demonstrations, and keeping a low profile.  U.S. citizens should avoid setting patterns by varying times and routes for all required travel.  U.S. citizens should ensure that their travel documents and visas are valid at all times.  In addition, over the next several days and weeks, we advise U.S. citizens to avoid areas where foreigners are known to congregate.

Read in full here.

Related articles

• Gunmen kill Saudi consulate driver in Pakistan (msnbc.msn.com)
• Our Pakistan Problem Manages to Get Worse (thedailybeast.com)
• Gunmen Kill Saudi Consulate Driver In Pakistan (huffingtonpost.com)
• Karachi Stocks CRUSHED In Third Straight Day Of Post Bin-Laden Selling (businessinsider.com)
• Two grenades thrown at Saudi consulate in Karachi (telegraph.co.uk)

 

 

 

State Dept Issues Worldwide Travel Alert After Bin Laden's Death, US Posts in Pakistan Close Until Further Notice

The State Dept issued a new Worldwide Travel Alert dated May 01, 2011 in the aftermath of Bil Bin Laden's death:

The U.S. Department of State alerts U.S. citizens traveling and residing abroad to the enhanced potential for anti-American violence given recent counter-terrorism activity in Pakistan. Given the uncertainty and volatility of the current situation, U.S. citizens in areas where recent events could cause anti-American violence are strongly urged to limit their travel outside of their homes and hotels and avoid mass gatherings and demonstrations. U.S. citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times. This Travel Alert expires August 1, 2011.

U.S. Embassy operations in affected areas will continue to the extent possible under the constraints of any evolving security situation. U.S. government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert. These facilities may temporarily close or periodically suspend public services to assess their security posture. In those instances, U.S. Embassies and Consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens. U.S. citizens abroad are urged to monitor the local news and maintain contact with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Read in full here.

On April 30, the US Embassy in Kabul restricted staff movements due to threats from extremists to increase attacks throughout Afghanistan at the beginning of May to mark the start of the fighting season.  The Embassy has curtailed the movements and activities of its personnel for April 30 and May 1, 2011. Yesterday, the US Embassy has extended a curtailment of travel for its employees throughout Afghanistan until 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 4.  Ambassador Eikenberry also released an official statement.

In Pakistan, the US Embassy in Islamabad issued a warden message alerting US citizens of possible violence and announcing the closure of all diplomatic and consular posts in the country until further notice:

This Warden Notice is to alert U.S. citizens of the possibility of violent protests and demonstrations in major cities of Pakistan, specifically near U.S. Consulates General in Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, and the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad.  Spontaneous protests in reaction to the recent events, could erupt at any time at locations perceived as Western, including restaurants and areas where foreigners are known to congregate and may turn violent.  The U.S. Embassy in Islamabad and the U.S. Consulates General in Lahore, Karachi and Peshawar will be closed on Monday, May 02, 2011, except for emergency American Citizens Services.   The Embassy will issue an updated Warden Message when the Embassy and Consulates General reopen for routine business.

The U.S. Department of State alerts U.S. citizens traveling and residing abroad to the enhanced potential for anti-American violence following recent counter-terrorism activity in Pakistan.  Given the uncertainty and volatility of the current situation, U.S. citizens in areas where recent events could cause anti-American violence are strongly urged to limit their travel outside of their homes and hotels and avoid mass gatherings and demonstrations.  U.S. citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

In Kenya, outgoing US Ambassador Ranneberger said that justice has finally been served through the killing of Bin Laden by U.S. forces.  In addition to recalling the horrific attack of 9/11, he also remembers the deaths of so many Kenyans and Americans in the attack on the U.S. Embassy in 1998 by al Qaeda.

"Those victims and their families and loved ones have now received a measure of justice. I well recall the sombre commemoration I hosted for the 10th anniversary of the 1998 bombing. Thus, for me personally – and of course more importantly for the Kenyan people – the killing of Bin Laden provides a sense of closure," he said.

The US embassies in Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Egypt and Indonesia republished the new Worldwide Travel Alert but carry no other special warden message.

Related articles

• U.S. Boosts Embassy Security, Watches for Bin Laden Strikes (businessweek.com)
• Hillary Clinton: Osama Bin Laden Death Doesn't End War On Terror (VIDEO) (huffingtonpost.com)
• U.S. boosts security at embassies around the world (chron.com)
• Osama bin Laden killed in Pakistan: US braces for fury of Arab world (dailymail.co.uk)
• U.S. warns of possible bin Laden backlash (cbsnews.com)
• Worldwide alert - U.S. warns Americans abroad (politico.com)

US Mission Mexico: Three Posts Warning on Possible Threat to American Citizens

The Consulate General in Matamoros issued on April 8, 2011 a new warden message warning of possible threat to American citizens in three consular districts. Excerpt below:

The United States Consulates General in Matamoros, Nuevo Laredo, and Monterrey advise American citizens that the U.S. government has received uncorroborated information that Mexican criminal gangs may intend to attack U.S. law enforcement officers or U.S. citizens in the near future in Tamaulipas, Nuevo León and San Luis Potosi. This information is being distributed to all U.S. government employees in the three states. No other information is available. If more detailed information is developed, we will advise American citizens immediately.

Related links:

Matamoros (the southern part of Tamaulipas with the exception of the city of Tampico): Avenida Primera 2002, telephone (011)(52)(868) 812-4402. http://matamoros.usconsulate.gov/.

Monterrey (Nuevo Leon, Durango, Zacatecas, San Luis Potosi, and the southern part of Coahuila): Avenida Constitucion 411 Poniente, telephone (011)(52)(818) 047-3100. http://monterrey.usconsulate.gov/.

Nuevo Laredo (the northern part of Coahuila and the northwestern part of Tamaulipas): Calle Allende 3330, col. Jardin, telephone (011)(52)(867) 714-0512. http://nuevolaredo.usconsulate.gov/.

Read in full here.

Related articles

• U.S. citizen among bus passengers abducted in Mexico (ctv.ca)
• You: US Consulate in the Mexican city of Matamoros warns citizens about highway travel (washingtonpost.com)
• U.S. warns against bus travel in northern Mexico (cbsnews.com)
• 13 More Bodies, 2 Mass Graves Found in Mexico (foxnews.com)

Alleged Fake Amcits Had Contract Jobs at State Dept, Held Security Clearances

Image by alancleaver_2000 via FlickrAlso alleged to have accessed and obtained information relating to approx 250,000  medical records of State Department and other USG employees  


Criminal Case 1:11CR144 is between the United States of America vs. KUANG HAO CHOU, Also known as Edwin Chou, LING YU HSIEH, Also known as Erica Hsieh.

The Grand Jury Indictment dated March 17, 2011 includes six counts of conspiracy to commit immigration fraud, bribery of a public official and (aiding and abetting), fraud and misuse of immigration documents) and (aiding and abetting), procurement of citizenship or naturalization unlawfully and (aiding and abetting), fraud and related activity with computers, false statement in a security clearance application.

Below are excepts from the indictment:

1. Robert Schofield was a federal employee with the title of Supervisory District Adjudications Officer responsible for processing applications submitted by immigrants requesting adjustments to their United States immigration status. Prior to early 2003, Schofield worked for the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). After early 2003, Schofield worked for the newly formed Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS).

6. On November 30,2006, Schofield pled guilty in the Eastern District of Virginia to Bribery of a Public Official and Procurement of Citizenship or Naturalization Unlawfully. As part of his plea agreement, Schofield admitted to fraudulently providing United States immigration documents, including naturalization certificates; Temporary I-551 stamps, which are evidence of LPR ("green card") status; and Advance Parole documents, to ineligible aliens in return for bribes. Schofield admitted that he utilized various brokers to bring the aliens to him who were willing to pay for falsely made United States immigration documents.

7. KUANG HAO CHOU a/k/a Edwin Chou is a Taiwanese national who entered the United States on or about August 21,1996, as a nonimmigrant B-2 visitor for pleasure. CHOU obtained unlawfully issued immigration benefits from Schofield in return for money. CHOU used his unlawful immigration benefits to obtain a United States Passport and to obtain jobs as a contract employee of the United States
Department of State(DOS) and United States government security clearances. CHOU also brought and referred other foreign nationals to Schofield in order to obtain unlawful immigration benefits for these other aliens.

8. LING YU HSIEH a/k/a Erica Hsieh is a Taiwanese national who entered the United States on or about April 11,1998, as a nonimmigrant B-2 visitor. HSIEH obtained unlawfully issued immigration benefits from Schofield in return for money. HSIEH used her unlawful immigration benefits to obtain a United States Passport and a position as a contract employee of the DOS and United States government security clearances. HSIEH also brought and referred other foreign nationals to Schofield in order to obtain unlawful immigration benefits.

9. KUANG HAO CHOU and LING YU HSIEH are married and have been married since 1991. They have resided in Herndon, Virginia, within the Eastern District of Virginia since 2001.

11. KUANG HAO CHOU and LING YU HSIEH used their fraudulently obtained United States Naturalization Certificates to obtain United States security clearances and jobs working as contract employees with the United States Department of State. On or about September 9,2005, CHOU submitted to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) an Electronic Questionnaire for Investigations Processing (e-QIP) request number 165787, which contained a Questionnaire for National Security Positions (SF86) in connection with his employment as a contractor to the United States Department of State. On or about September 14,2005, HSIEH submitted to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) an Electronic Questionnaire for Investigations Processing (e-QIP) request number 172495, which contained a Questionnaire for National Security Positions (SF86) in connection with her employment as a contractor to the United States Department of State.

Count Five:

Between on or about April 8,2010 and November 16, 2010, in Herndon, Virginia, within the Eastern District of Virginia, and elsewhere, the defendant, KUANG HAOCHOU, knowingly and intentionally accessed a computer without authorization and exceeded his authorized access and thereafter obtained information from a department and agency of the United States, to wit: CHOU accessed the United States Department of State eMED database without authorization and exceeding his authorized access and obtained information relating to approximately 250,000 or more United States Department of State and other United States government employees. (In violation of Title 18 United States Code 1030(a)(2)(B).)

Count 6

On or about August 5,2010, in Herndon,Virginia, within the Eastern District of Virginia, and elsewhere, the defendant, KUANG HAO CHOU, in a matter within the jurisdiction of the Executive Branch of the Government of the United States, that is the Social Security Administration and the Department of State, did knowingly, unlawfully and willfully make a materially false, fictitious and fraudulent statement and representation, to wit: CHOU claimed to be lawfully naturalized United States citizens when CHOU sought to renew his security clearance he originally obtained to work as a contractor for the United States Department of State,in order to work with the Social Security Administration, when in truth and in fact, as CHOU then and there well knew he had paid a bribe for his immigration benefits and was not eligible to obtain or use a security clearance in September 9,2005, nor to renew it on August 5, 2010. On or about August 5,2010, CHOU submitted a Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions and a Declaration for Federal Employment submitted to the United States Office of Personnel Management to maintain his security clearance and reaffirming his false statement and representation concerning his immigration status. (In violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001.)

The full copy of the indictment is here (h/t to Emily Babay| Washington Examiner for a copy of the indictment posted in ScribD).

If one of the defendants "obtained" a quarter million information from the medical database, how was that information disposed of? Or perhaps the question might be, how compromised is that information right now? Med records normally include not only names, but also SSNs, blood types, medical clearances, test results (and who knows what else - papsmear and colonoscopy results, physicians' notes, allergies?). 

If the allegations are true, one has to wonder at the motive for accessing personally identifiable information (PII) of State Department and other USG employees.  What was the intent here?  Was the information sold? Was the information hoarded for later disposal? Was it done for much darker reasons? 

But more importantly, how was the data breach discovered? The breach happened in a span of seven months.  Was it also downloaded and copied to a Lady Gaga CD? Did MED discover this breach due to a system warning when a large amount of data was accessed and obtained?  Or was the discovery of the data breach only happened after a collateral investigation of the alleged immigration fraud? 

To be blunt, if the defendant was not discovered to have committed the alleged immigration fraud, would the State Dept Office of Medical Services have discovered the breach in its medical database?

And now that eMed had been eBreached, what do you do to protect yourself?


We have asked this and other questions to Med, we'll post any response we get.