Joint Terrorism Task Force in Seattle Launches Rewards for Justice Campaign
FBI and Department of State Seek Information from the Public

The Puget Sound Joint Terrorism Task Force (PSJTTF) this week launched in Seattle a publicity campaign for the U.S. Department of State’s Rewards for Justice (RFJ) program. RFJ offers up to $25 million for information that helps stop terrorism. Over the next several months, the greater Seattle community will see photos of wanted terrorists and appeals for information about them publicized on highway billboards, airport displays, bus posters, and elsewhere (examples of the billboards are toward the conclusion of this press release).

Anyone with information on international terrorism is asked to call 1-800-US-REWARDS (1-800-877-3927).

Administered by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security, RFJ has paid in excess of $125 million to more than 80 people who provided reliable and actionable information that put terrorists behind bars or prevented acts of international terrorism worldwide. The program played a significant role in the arrest of international terrorist Ramzi Yousef, who was convicted in the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center.

The State Department supported the PSJTTF’s nomination of Seattle to publicize RFJ because Seattle’s diverse and globally connected population frequently travels from this international hub and may come across useful information overseas.

“Members of Seattle’s community have time and time again shown themselves to be concerned about protecting their families, their neighbors, and their freedom,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Laura M. Laughlin of the FBI Seattle Division. “Many despicable plots—from illicit drug trafficking to violent acts of terrorism—have come to the FBI’s attention because vigilant Seattleites came forward with a tip.”

“Diplomatic Security is firmly committed to investigate allegations of terrorism against U.S. persons and property abroad and to bring those who commit these crimes to justice,” said Kurt Rice, Acting Assistant Director of Diplomatic Security’s Threat Investigations and Analysis Directorate. “Diplomatic Security’s strong relationship with our law enforcement partners continues to be essential in the pursuit of justice.”

Created in 1984, the RFJ program reviews tips for credible, actionable information. The Secretary of State authorizes all reward offers for information that leads to the arrest or conviction of anyone who plans, commits, or attempts international terrorist acts against U.S. persons or property; that prevents such acts from occurring in the first place; that leads to the location of a key terrorist leader; or that disrupts terrorism financing.

RFJ can pay rewards when there is no prior reward offer, as long as the particulars of the case fit RFJ’s statutory authority. In addition, the U.S. Secretary is authorized to pay a reward greater than $25 million if he determines that a greater amount is necessary to combat terrorism or to defend the United States against terrorist acts.

The PSJTTF is hosted by the FBI Seattle Division and includes members from more than a dozen local and federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies, including the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security. Since 2000, participating agencies have provided personnel to the task force for extended periods of time to work with the FBI in conducting international and domestic terrorism investigations. Combining the skills, tools, and resources of the various agencies enables the task force to be more effective in preventing and solving acts of terrorism and supporting cases nationwide and worldwide.

The Bureau of Diplomatic Security is the U.S. Department of State’s law enforcement and security arm. The special agents, engineers, and other security professionals of the Bureau are responsible for the security of more than 280 diplomatic missions around the world. In the United States, Diplomatic Security personnel protect the U.S. Secretary of State and high-ranking foreign dignitaries and officials visiting the United States, investigate passport and visa fraud, and conduct background security investigations for new Department of State employees. For additional information about the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security, visit www.DiplomaticSecurity.state.gov.

In addition to calling the phone number provided above (1-800-US-REWARDS), anyone with information on the internationally wanted individuals can contact the Rewards for Justice office via the website, e-mail (RFJ@state.gov), or mail (Rewards for Justice, Washington, D.C., 20520-0303, USA). All information will be kept strictly confidential. You may also follow RFJ on Twitter at https://twitter.com/Rewards4Justice.

For more information about the campaign, please contact:

U.S. Department of State
Diplomatic Security Public Affairs

• David E. Bates, 571-345-2518
• Gale Smith, 571-345-2507