Investigation into the Sale of Sensitive, In-Demand Military Equipment and Supplies on the Internet

On April 10, 2008, the Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs investigated the sale of sensitive, in-demand military technologies and supplies on Internet sites such as eBay and Craigslist. Specifically, the Subcommittee heard the results of an undercover investigation Chairman Tierney tasked the Special Investigations Unit of the Government Accountability Office (GAO) with undertaking. The GAO team showed the Subcommittee the items they were able to purchase on-line and explain how the deals were consummated. Representatives from the Department of Defense and eBay, among others, discussed whether controls should be tightened and what possibilities there are for conducting better screening to discover stolen or sensitive equipment and supplies.

Witness List

Panel One

Mr. Gregory D. Kutz, Managing Director, Forensic Audits and Special Investigations, U.S. Government Accountability Office

Mr. Charles W. Beardall, Deputy Inspector General for Investigations, U.S. Department of Defense

Mr. Tod Cohen, Vice President, Government Relations, eBay Inc.

Mr. Jim Buckmaster, CEO, Craigslist.org

Panel Two

Mr. Alan F. Estevez, Principal Assistant Deputy Under Secretary of Defense (Logistics and Materiel Readiness), U.S. Department of Defense

Ms. Sarah H. Finnecum, Director, Supply and Maintenance Directorate, United States Army, G-4 (Logistics)