◆ SpookStack

INTRODUCTION - The FBI's use of undercover employees and operation of proprietary business entities is a lawful and essential technigue in the detection and investigation of white collar crime, political corruption, organized crime, and other priority areas. However, use of this technique inherently involves an element of deception, and occasionally may require a degree of cooperation with persons whose motivation and conduct are open to question, and so should be carefully considered and monitored. DEFINITIONS An “undercover employee," under these guidelines, is any employee of the FBI -- or employee of a federal, state or local law enforcement agency working under the direction and control of the FBI in a particular investigation -- whose relationship with the FBI is concealed from third parties in the course of an investigative operation by the maintenance of a cover or alias identity. An "undercover operation" is any investigative operation in which an undercover employee is used. A "proprietary" is a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or other business entity owned or controlled by the FBI, used by the FBI in connection with an undercover operation, and whose relationship with the FBI is not generally acknowledged. GENERAL AUTHORITY (1) The FEL may conduct undercover operations, pursuant to these guidelines, that are appropriate to carry out its investigative responsibilities in domestic law enforcement. Under this authority, the FBI may participate in joint undercover operations with other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies; may seek operational assistance for an undercover operation from any suitable informant, confidential source, or other cooperating private individual; and may operate a proprietary on a commercial basis to the extent necessary to maintain an operation's cover or effectiveness.