HSI, US Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security Sign New MOU to Expand Partnership

WASHINGTON — Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) announced an expanded partnership March 26 to increase collaboration by leveraging additional authorities under the Export Control Reform Act to investigate violations of U.S. export control laws.

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HSI Deputy Executive Associate Director Patrick McElwain and BIS Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement Matthew S. Axelrod signed a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) agreement to commemorate the partnership at the HSI headquarters in Washington D.C.

“Our partnership with BIS covers some of the most important work we do at HSI which is preventing hostile nations, violent criminal organizations and terrorists from illegally obtaining sensitive technologies, equipment and weapons for nefarious purposes,” said McElwain. “At a time where government resources are spread thin, it is extremely important for us to work together to protect national security and ensure public safety.”

The MOU sets forth mutual efforts and activities designed make effective use of limited investigatory resources, encourage interagency cooperation, reduce the possibility of duplicative investigations, minimize the potential for dangerous situations that might arise from uncoordinated efforts, and enhance the potential for successful prosecution of cases arising under export administration regulations.

"To date, more than 40% of our major cases have been worked on jointly with HSI," said Axelrod. “Our teams' successful joint efforts are simply another example of the advantages of cooperation and information sharing. We are glad to know that this work is a priority for HSI, and it is one of the key factors that make our partnership so powerful.”

In fiscal year 2023, HSI initiated 1,503 cases that lead to 698 arrests, 292 convictions and 1,511 seizures of goods for violations of U.S. export laws and regulations.

The public can report suspected suspicious export violations by calling the HSI Tip Line at 877-4-HSI-TIP or by contacting the local HSI field office. Callers may remain anonymous.

BIS actively encourages the submission of voluntary self-disclosures from parties who suspect they may have violated the export administration regulations. Parties are strongly encouraged to submit voluntary self-disclosures electronically to BIS_VSD_INTAKE@bis.doc.gov.

Through the IPR Center, HSI protects legitimate trade and commercial systems by investigating intellectual property crime, combating trade fraud and preventing the illicit proliferation of sensitive U.S. technology and weapons.

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) advances national security through technology leadership and vigilant export controls. BIS accomplishes its mission by aggressively enforcing our nation’s export control laws and by maintaining and strengthening adaptable, efficient, effective export controls and treaty compliance systems, along with active leadership and involvement in international export control regimes.