Increase in Business E-Mail Scams

The F.B.I. is warning businesses to beware of a dramatic rise in business e-mail compromise scams (B.E.C.). The scammers spoof company e-mail or assume the identify of a company officer or trusted vendor and often involve wire transfer using dollars. The scam has been conducted in all states and in at least 79 countries. Victims should contact the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)

Sunlight Foundation Creating Database for Criminal Justice Data

The Sunlight Foundation, a national non-partisan, nonprofit organization committed to open government, has created an inventory of publicly and privately produced criminal justice data as the first step to creating a database. The inventory, Opening Criminal Justice Data, shows what data has been collected so far and provides an opportunity for people to submit their own data, statistics or a finished report. However, no information is given on the main page about how these submissions will be evaluated. Links to data and reports already submitted can be accessed by opening the Google spreadsheet. Most of the reports presently available are from official government agencies.

Transnational Crime

According to a July 25, 2011 entry posted by Attorney General Eric Holder on the White House blog, the National Security Council has released its Strategy to Combat Transnational Organized Crime. The strategy includes legislative proposals designed to strengthen anti-money laundering provisions and to identify and respond to evolving tactics used to conceal illicit operations and profits associated with transnational crime. The blog entry also links to fact sheets and assessments relating to transnational criminal activities.