Washington, D.C. Radio: FBI targets corruption in federal agencies

FBI targets corruption in federal agencies
Washington Radio station WTOP by Hank Silverberg - May 29, 2008

MANASSAS, Va. - With the economy souring over the past year, the FBI feels that corruption within local government is becoming more and more tempting. The bureau has set up an eight-agency task force aimed at stopping corruption on the local, state and federal levels. The task force will monitor agencies, such as the Department of Justice, U.S. Immigration and Customs and Homeland Security. A special emphasis will be placed on five Northern Virginia counties -- Arlington, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun and Prince William counties. Assistant FBI Director Joseph Perichini says the FBI thinks this area needs the focus. "This region has the largest amount of federal dollars of any other region in the United States -- $97 billion," says Perichini. The task force will look to local business leaders and the general public to report any attempts of bribery or fraud. "In the very difficult economic condition we have today, we want to make sure that people are aware that we are out there," Perichini says. A Web site has been set up to report any individual or business that may be suspected of corruption.