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September 21, 2010

HSI-led counter-proliferation investigation featured in the Philadelphia Inquirer

The Philadelphia Inquirer is publishing an eight-part series of articles this week highlighting an epic five-year ICE-HSI led undercover investigation into the "intricate, high-stakes pursuit of weapons dealers." The first article in the series, titled Hunting Iranian Arms Brokers, was published on Sunday, Sept. 19, 2010 and features a cover photo of Deputy Director Chief of Staff Patrick Lechleitner. Lechleitner was the lead special agent in the counter-proliferation investigation that began in April 2004 and led to the arrest of arms brokers involved in secretive and illegal global business schemes that endanger U.S. national security.

The Inquirer is calling this series: Shadow War: an Elite Philly Squad's Secret Mission against Iran. They have interviewed a number of HSI agents including: Special Agent in Charge (SAC) John Kelleghan, Andrew McLees, Clark Settles, Michael Ronayne and Patrick Lechleitner. Two unnamed HSI agents - "Darius" and "John Richards" - asked that their true names not be published because they still work undercover.

Interested in viewing the full series? Visit The Philadelphia Inquirer.

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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is the largest investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security.

ICE is a 21st century law enforcement agency with broad responsibilities for a number of key homeland security priorities. For more information, visit www.ICE.gov. To report suspicious activity, call 1-866-347-2423 or complete our tip form.