
The United States Department of Justice and the Department of Commerce have jointly established the Disruptive Technology Strike Force to combat the illicit acquisition and use of advanced technologies by nation-state adversaries.
Under the leadership of the Justice Department’s National Security Division and the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security, the strike force brings together various government experts and law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and 14 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in 12 metropolitan regions throughout the country.
The team will focus on identifying and targeting illegal actors, strengthening supply chains, and safeguarding critical technological assets from acquisition or use by hostile foreign entities. Nation-state adversaries such as China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia may utilize advanced technologies for nefarious purposes, including improving military capabilities or conducting mass surveillance, leading to serious human rights abuses. Advanced technologies of interest include those related to supercomputing, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, advanced manufacturing equipment and materials, and biosciences.
The Disruptive Technology Strike Force will utilize its resources to investigate and prosecute criminal violations of export laws, foster private sector partnerships, and leverage international collaborations to coordinate law enforcement actions and disruption strategies. The team will also employ data analytics and intelligence to develop and build investigations, conduct regular trainings for field offices, and strengthen connectivity between the strike force and the Intelligence Community.
The strike force will operate in 12 metropolitan regions across the United States, with oversight and support from the local U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in major cities such as New York City, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C.
Image Credits
In-Article Image Credits
FBI badge and gun via Wikipedia Commons by FBI photos with usage type - Public DomainFeatured Image Credit
FBI badge and gun via Wikipedia Commons by FBI photos with usage type - Public Domain