U.S. Consulate General Press Releases (1998)

Counter-Terrorism Rewards Program

News Release
December 7, 1998
Monday

The U.S. Department of State has issued a press release on the Counter-Terrorism Rewards Program, announcing that the maximum reward has been increased from US$2 million to US$5 million. The text of the announcement is listed below:

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In the past three months, U.S. law enforcement officials have made significant progress in the investigation of the terrorist acts against our embassies in East Africa. The U.S. Government has now taken a significant step in further identifying those individuals responsible for these, and other acts of cowardice.

The U.S. Department of State is now offering rewards of up to US$5 million for information that leads to the arrest and/or conviction of individuals responsible for acts of international terrorism or to the prevention of such acts, if the acts are against U.S. persons or property. Most recently, the State Department has initiated a campaign to bring to justice Usama Bin Laden and Mohammed Atef, who have been charged with the bombings of U.S. embassies in East Africa in August, 1998. In the past few years, the U.S. Government has paid out over US$6 million, in over 20 cases worldwide, for credible information received as a result of the rewards program.

The United States is strong and unwavering in its commitment to the fight against international terrorism directed at U.S. citizens, and our motivation is high in bringing to justice those responsible for barbaric acts of terrorism, such as Usama Bin Laden.

Overseas, people with information are urged to contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, or write to the following address: HEROES, P.O Box 96781, Washington, DC, 20090-6781, U.S.A.

More detailed information on this program can be viewed on the Counterterrorism Rewards' website on the Internet, at www.heroes.net. Information may be provided via the Internet at heroes@heroes.net.

The United States will ensure complete confidentiality, and if appropriate, will relocate people and their families to the United States.

Our determination to battle terrorism is greater than ever. It is our intention to bring all of those responsible for terrorist crimes committed against U.S. interests to justice, no matter where they are or how long it takes.

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