Did the FBI intentionally hinder an investigation into a suspected al-Qaida fundraising racket? In the face of a threat to our survival, the last thing we need is petty infighting. From MSNBC, with thanks to Hugh Fitzgerald:
Is our government doing everything it can in the war on terror? A highly-respected federal agent says no and he’s making a troubling accusation. He says the FBI intentionally put the brakes on an investigation into a suspected al-Qaida fundraising operation. Why? The answer, he says, is a flaw exposed by September 11 that still hasn’t been fixed.
Three years ago, President Bush gave a directive to succeed in the war on terror, law enforcement agencies need to work together:
Bush: “Information must be fully shared so we can follow every lead to find the one that may prevent tragedy.”
So you’d think that if a decorated federal agent had evidence of suspected terrorist activity, the government would pull out all the stops to follow up. Think again, says this man.
Joe Webber: “My concern is that we have learned nothing from the events of September 11.”
Joe Webber, a 30-year veteran of federal law enforcement, says the government sat on important information about suspected terrorist activity on U.S. soil. He’s so outraged, he says, he’s willing to risk his career by going public.
Victoria Corderi: “Have you ever done anything like what you’re doing today? To come forward to criticize the government?”
Webber: “No. This is probably a very career-limiting move.”
Webber runs the Houston office of the Department of Homeland Security’s Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, “ICE” for short.
He says the story begins two and half years ago when his office started investigating a man believed to be raising money for terrorists. Webber doesn’t want to jeopardize the ongoing case by revealing too many details, but he will say the suspect was in direct contact with known terrorists.
Webber: “There’s clearly probable cause to believe that the target of the investigation was in communication with those involved in international terrorism.”
Corderi: “With Osama Bin Laden?”
Webber: “Those associated with Osama Bin Laden, yes.”
He says the FBI has intentionally impeded the investigation being conducted by his agency, ICE.
Webber: “I was told point blank, they are not going to let ICE pursue this investigation.”
Find out why: read it all.