Financial Crimes Division

Electronic Crimes Branch

The passage of the Omnibus Crime Control Act of 1984 brought to the Secret Service investigative jurisdiction for violations of Title 18 United States Code 1029 (credit card and access devices) and in 1986 Title 18,United States Code 1030 (computer fraud). The Financial Crimes Division's Electronic Crimes Branch houses the equipment and personnel devoted to these jurisdictions.

Between 1985 and the present, we have seen rapid growth of the number and type of criminal misuses of electronic technology investigated by the Service. The degree of sophistication of today's criminal has advanced at an accelerated rate over the past few years.

Our electronic investigations have involved credit card fraud, unauthorized computer access, cellular and land line telephone service tampering, the production of false identification, counterfeit currency, threats made against the President, narcotics, illegal firearms trafficking, and even homicides. Computers are now used extensively in facilitating many crimes investgated by the Secret Service.

The Electronic Crimes Branch provides service to our special agents, who are located in more than 125 domestic and foreign offices.

What does the ECB do?

• We provide administrative control of all computer-related and telecommunications investigations.
• We provide technical assistance to our special agents in the development of their cases, including the preparation and service of search warrants on electronic storage devices.
• We provide laboratory analysis and courtroom testimony concerning the evidentiary contents of electronic storage devices seized during criminal investigations.
• We provide educational presentations to classes and seminars for law enforcement officers, other government agencies, and private industry.
• We meet regularly with other government agencies, hardware manufacturers, and software publishers to stay at the leading edge of this quickly changing technology.
• We conduct research and development projects in order to address new problem areas, linked to new technology.

Electronic Evidence Seizure

As computers and related storage and communication devices proliferate in our society, so does the use of those devices in conducting criminal activities. Technology is employed by criminals as a means of communication, a tool for theft and extortion, and a repository to hide incriminating evidence or contraband materials. Law enforcement officers must possess up-to-date knowledge and equipment to effectively investigate today's criminal activity. The law enforcement community is challenged by the task of identifying, investigating and prosecuting individuals and organizations that use these and other emerging technologies to support their illicit operations.

Please see our Best Practices for Seizing Electronic Evidence reference guide for more information.

Investigative Mission | Counterfeit | Financial Crimes | Forensic Services