Connecticut Computer Crimes Task Force

The Connecticut Computer Crimes Task Force officially opened at 10 a.m., Tuesday, June 29, 2004, with a ceremony at the Connecticut headquarters of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which included a ribbon cutting for the Task Force's new training laboratory.

The new training lab was unveiled as United States Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro and FBI Deputy Assistant Director Keith Lourdeau cut the ribbon on the state-of-the-art facility.

The lab, which will accommodate up to 27 officers from local, state and federal law enforcement, is the only one of its kind in New England. The lab is the newest addition to the myriad investigative tools available to this unique Task Force.

The Connecticut Computer Crimes Task Force was formed in March 2003 to investigate crimes occurring over the Internet. These crimes include computer intrusion, Internet fraud, on-line crimes against children, copyright violations, and Internet threats or harassment. The Task Force includes agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Connecticut State Police, the Connecticut

Chief State's Attorney's Office, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the Criminal Investigation Division of the Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Secret Service and detectives from the Glastonbury, New Britain, Milford, New Haven and Windsor police departments. The Task Force is housed in the Connecticut FBI headquarters, 600 State Street, New Haven.

"The Connecticut Computer Crimes Task Force is law enforcement's collective response to address Internet-related crimes and electronic media issues that affect almost every criminal violation confronting law enforcement today," said Michael J. Wolf, Special Agent in Charge of the Connecticut FBI.

SAC Wolf delivered the opening remarks for Tuesday's event. Other speakers included Congresswoman DeLauro, United States Attorney Kevin O'Connor, for the District of Connecticut, and Mr. Lourdeau, from FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

As Deputy Assistant Director of the Cyber Division, Mr. Lourdeau has oversight of all cyber programs in the FBI.

In Connecticut, the Computer Crimes Task Force includes a computer forensic laboratory, which provides computer forensic review services for participating agencies. The Task Force facility also includes an Internet undercover area, from which investigators target on-line sexual predators.

On Tuesday, escorted tours through the entire Task Force facility were offered to the invited guests in attendance.

The guests included representatives of the state's Congressional delegation, top management of the participating law enforcement agencies and members of the media.

For further information about the Connecticut Computer Crimes Task Force, please contact the FBI at (203) 777-6311 or via e-mail at ifcc.nh@fbi.gov.