A display of night vision equipment sought by Iran, a confiscated M136 AT4 U.S. Army light anti-tank weapon destined for the Tamil Tigers in Sri Lanka, and other restricted U.S. military and dual-use technologies targeted for illegal acquisition by foreign nations and terrorist organizations are seen during a news conference at the Justice Department in Washington, regarding illegal export investigations. -- Daylife
Night-vision scopes currently used by U.S. soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan to identify targets, triggered spark gaps used to detonate nuclear weapons, electronic sensors used in improvised explosive devices, and gyro chips used in guided missiles and military aircraft were just a few of the items that were illegally purchased this year in a covert government operation aimed at identifying the ease of obtaining restricted exports.
Using a bogus front company and fictitious identities, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) was also able to export a number of dummy versions of these items using the mail to a country that is a known transshipment point for terrorist organizations and foreign governments attempting to acquire sensitive technology.
Here is the list of items the GAO was able to purchase and, in two cases, illegally export without detection.
Triggered Spark Gap. Triggered spark gaps are versatile high-voltage switches used for medical applications that can also be used as nuclear weapons detonators. Triggered spark gaps have been the center of unlawful exports to Pakistan and India. However, they are completely legal to buy and sell within the United States.
Oscilloscope. Oscilloscopes are used for displaying the timing, voltages, frequency, and other attributes of electrical signals. In addition, certain oscilloscope versions are capable of being utilized in weapon of mass destruction development and are also export-controlled for antiterrorism reasons. However, oscilloscopes are legal to buy and sell within the United States.
Accelerometer. Accelerometers are sensors and instruments used for measuring, displaying, and analyzing acceleration and vibration. They can be used on a stand-alone basis, or in conjunction with a data acquisition system. The version of the accelerometer we purchased is suitable for use in “smart” bombs and for measuring motions generated by nuclear and chemical explosives and, although legal for domestic sale, is export-controlled under CCL restrictions. [See last photo.]
Quadruple Differential Line Receiver. The quadruple differential line receiver is used for balanced or unbalanced digital data transmission. The product supports defense, aerospace, and medical applications. In addition, certain versions of quadruple differential receivers have military applications. This item may be legally bought and sold within the United States.
Inclinometer. An inclinometer is an instrument used for measuring angles of slope and inclination of an object with respect to its center of gravity. Inclinometers, which are export-controlled but legal to buy and sell within the United States, are suitable for use in the military, medical, optical, range-finder, and robotics fields, and have applications in IEDs.
Gyro Chip. Gyro chips are sensitive dual-use items used in advanced aircraft, missile, space, and commercial systems for stabilization, control, guidance, and navigation. The gyro chip's original intent was for commercial use; however, this same item is also used to stabilize and steer guided missiles. For this reason, the item is export-controlled, but may be legally bought and sold within the United States without restriction.
Ka-Band Power Amplifier. Ka-band power amplifiers are suited for military radar systems, ground terminals for Ka-band satellite communications systems, and point-to-point communication systems. Ka- band power amplifiers are export-controlled for national security reasons, but legal to buy and sell within the United States.
Infra-Red (IR) Flag. IR flags are currently in use by U.S. military forces to help identify friendly soldiers during nighttime operations. Several of the IR flags the GAO purchased appear as a black material with no identifying markers. However, with the use of U.S. military night-vision technology (such as the monocular purchased below), the patches reveal a U.S. flag, and are the same IR flags used on U.S. military combat uniforms. An enemy fighter wearing these IR flags could potentially pass as a friendly service member during a night combat situation, putting U.S. troops at risk. Nevertheless, these items are completely legal to buy and sell within the United States.
Modular Tactical Vest (MTV) and Enhanced Small Arms Protective Inserts (ESAPI). The MTV purchased by the GAO is a type currently being used by U.S. military personnel and have been tested to National Institute of Justice Level IIIA 9mm velocity. Enemies of the United States could use the vest during attacks against American and coalition forces, and they could also be used by criminals within the United States and on the United States-Mexico border. However, the item is completely legal to sell, buy, or possess within the United States, except by certain violent felons.
Night-Vision Monocular and Night-Vision Goggles (NVG). The night-vision monocular is a lightweight, self-contained, image- intensification system capable of being either hand-held, mounted to a small arms weapon mounting rail, or mounted to a head mount or helmet mount. Night-vision monoculars are used in nighttime operations by U.S. forces to provide a tactical advantage on the battlefield. They are legal to buy and sell within the United States.
Secure Personal Radio (SPR). According to the SPR distributor, the SPR model we obtained, which is being used by U.S. Special Forces personnel, is the latest model with enhanced digitally encrypted capability that has a low probability of detection without the aid of high-tech military radio-interception equipment. The SPR provides secure communications between battlefield personnel with an encryption feature that makes communicating with the radio virtually undetectable. Nevertheless, the item is legal to buy and sell within the United States.
F-16 Engine-Monitoring System Computer (EMSC). F-16 EMSC processes digital engine-performance signals from the digital electronic-control module. This EMSC is used in more than 75 percent of the USAF's single-engine F-16 Block 50/52 aircraft. Furthermore, the engine that uses this monitoring system is also qualified for use on the F-15 Strike Eagle aircraft and was recently chosen by South Korea to power its new F-15K fighters. This item is export-controlled under ITAR, but is legal to buy and sell within the United States.
Accelerometer currently being offered worldwide on eBay.
GAO Conclusions: GAO undercover agents were able to purchase sensitive items such as F-14 Tomcat aircraft parts, night-vision goggles currently being used by U.S. forces, and current-issue military body armor on commercial internet sites such as eBay and Craigslist.
Lack of legal restrictions over domestic sales of these items, combined with the difficulties associated with inspecting packages and individuals leaving the United States, does not effectively prevent terrorists and agents of foreign governments from obtaining these sensitive items.
The key to preventing the illegal export of these sensitive items used in nuclear, IED, and military applications is to stop the attempts to obtain the items at the source, because once sensitive items make it into the hands of terrorists or foreign government agents, the shipment and transport out of the United States is unlikely to be detected.
Military and Dual-Use Technology: Covert Testing Shows Continuing Vulnerabilities of Domestic Sales for Illegal Export (PDF, 26 pages)
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