Federal crimes are investigated by various federal agencies, with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) being the most well-known. The FBI investigates a wide range of federal criminal activities, including white-collar crime, terrorism, organized crime, money laundering, narcotics, violent gangs, child pornography, antitrust crimes, and bank robbery. FBI special agents are stationed in metropolitan areas, smaller cities, and U.S. embassies.
I. White Collar Crimes
White-collar crimes, such as securities fraud and identity theft, are investigated by multiple agencies, including the FBI and the United States Postal Inspection Service, which focuses on crimes related to the Postal Service. The United States Secret Service investigates computer crime, identity theft, and counterfeit money to safeguard the payment and financial systems.
II. Government Fraud
All cabinet departments and government agencies have an Office of the Inspector General (OIG) that investigates crimes related to their agency's mission. These OIGs primarily focus on fraud against the government, such as defrauding the Social Security Administration or criminal activity related to labor unions and employee benefit plans.
III. Narcotics and Violence
Drug crimes and crimes of violence are investigated by agencies like the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). The DEA enforces federal laws related to controlled substances and investigates drug-related crimes, while the ATF focuses on illegal trafficking in tobacco, gun-related violence, and narcotics enforcement.
IV. Cybercrime/Immigration Offenses
Within the Department of Homeland Security, agencies like the Secret Service and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) investigate various offenses. The Secret Service primarily protects high-level officials but also investigates international cybercrime, while ICE focuses on immigration-related offenses and cross-border computer crimes.
As cybercrime becomes a major threat, multiple agencies, including the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security, have developed initiatives to combat it. They collaborate with private industry, academia, and law enforcement to investigate cybercrimes and prevent their occurrence.
V. Regulatory Agencies: Civil-Criminal Enforcement
Various regulatory agencies, such as the Internal Revenue Service, Office of Foreign Assets Control, and Securities and Exchange Commission, have dual civil-criminal enforcement functions. They investigate offenses like tax fraud, trade sanctions violations, and securities fraud, often leading to both civil and criminal prosecutions.
IV. Department of Justice
Federal crimes are prosecuted by United States Attorneys' Offices across the country, headed by United States Attorneys. These offices have units dedicated to specific types of crimes, and major case decisions often require supervisory approval. Main Justice, the Department of Justice's headquarters in Washington, D.C., handles certain specialized prosecutions and provides additional approvals for specific decisions.
The Department of Justice has created task forces, advisory groups, and sections to enhance its enforcement efforts in various areas, such as organized crime, drug enforcement, corporate crime, and cybersecurity. These initiatives collaborate with federal agencies and coordinate investigations and prosecutions.
In cases involving high-level executive branch wrongdoing, special counsels may be appointed to investigate independently. Special counsel appointments follow specific regulations and occur when there is a conflict of interest within the executive branch.
Overall, federal crimes are investigated and prosecuted by multiple agencies and departments, working together to uphold the law and protect the interests of the United States.