U.S. Department of Justice

Federal Bureau of Investigation

Federal Bureau of Investigation
4500 Orange Grove Avenue
Sacramento, California 95841

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 9, 2007

FBI Addresses Chinese Community Concern Surrounding Spy Ad

San Francisco - On July 2, 2007 the Federal Bureau of Investigation placed an advertisement in three local Chinese-language newspapers. The advertisement, scheduled to run until July 8, 2007, solicited assistance from the Chinese community in accomplishing the FBI's counter-espionage mission.

The FBI is not asking members of the Chinese community to spy on one another or to spy on the Chinese government. Many members of our community speak little to no English, or are simply much more comfortable communicating in their native languages. The FBI intended the Chinese-language advertisement to provide an avenue for Chinese-speaking residents of the San Francisco Bay Area to share information related to wrongdoing of any kind. We seek information about those conducting illicit activities on our shores and intending to harm the United States.

The FBI does not conduct espionage; rather, we are charged with standing in the way of those who would steal classified material, vital technology, or trade secrets. Threats may come from foreign governments, corporate interests, or even from within our own borders. The FBI relies on information from all avenues to effectively protect our domestic assets, and the community - irrespective of national origin, language, race, or religion - is the first line of defense.

Newspaper advertisements such as this one allow the FBI's message to reach a much larger audience than by individual contact alone. An English translation of the advertisement reads as follows:

The FBI has many responsibilities. One of these is to protect our domestic security and civil rights. Chinese living here have often helped the FBI prevent subversive elements from penetrating and harming our country. In order to protect our freedom and democracy, we continue to seek your assistance. We would like to speak with individuals who have information about any intelligence service whose intent is to harm the US. We especially welcome anyone who has information about the Chinese Ministry of State Security to contact our office. There will be Chinese-speaking agents available for those who speak no English.

Please call and ask for Special Agent House (415) 553-7400 or write to FBI, PO Box 36015, San Francisco, CA 94102. (The identity of anyone who contacts the FBI will be kept in strict confidence.

Working together we will continue to protect our national security and the freedoms available in our country. To adequately protect our nation, we need members of the community to act as the eyes and ears of law enforcement; to be the everyday guardians of freedom, justice, and democracy.

Any information provided to the FBI is confidential and will be diligently investigated to ascertain the truth of the matter. Press inquiries can be directed to Special Agent Joseph M. Schadler at 415-553-7450.