Why does the FBI have an international presence? To protect Americans.
As Director Mueller notes, "the globalization of crime—whether terrorism, international trafficking of drugs, contraband, and people, or cyber crime—absolutely requires us to integrate law enforcement efforts around the world. And that means having our agents working directly with their counterparts overseas on cases of mutual interest—not only to solve crimes that have been committed, but to prevent crimes and acts of terror by sharing information in real time."
Our international presence currently consists of more than 50 small Legal Attaché offices (Legats) in U.S. embassies and consulates around the world.
Their goals? Simple:
To stop foreign crime as far from American shores as possible;
To help solve international crimes that do occur as quickly as possible.
Their activities? Staffed with agents and a support staff, they:
Coordinate international investigations with their colleagues;
Cover international leads for domestic U.S. investigations;
Link U.S. and international resources in critical criminal and terrorist areas that better ensure the safety of the American public here and abroad. The rules for joint activities and information sharing are generally spelled out in formal agreements between the United States and the Legat's host country; and
Coordinate FBI training classes for police in their geographic areas—everything from counterterrorism and cybercrime matters to forensic techniques to human trafficking and human rights.
The FBI's Legal Attaché program is overseen by the Office of International Operations, headed by a Special Agent in Charge, at FBI Headquarters in Washington, DC. This Office keeps in close contact with other federal agencies, Interpol, foreign police and security officers in Washington, and national and international law enforcement associations.
