DEA Office of Investigative Technology Emails on FinFisher
| Tracking # |
21-00491-F 17-00489-F |
| Submitted | April 12, 2017 |
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Communications
From: Joseph Cox
To Whom It May Concern:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act.
### Background ###
This request is specifically for the DEA Office of Investigative Technology. FinFisher is a piece of software used for remotely gathering evidence from mobile phones and computers. It was originally sold by a company called Gamma Group, but FinFisher has since become its own company.
### Request ###
I hereby request the following records:
- Any emails between Office of Investigative Technology and other DEA staff discussing, about, or concerning FinFisher and Gamma Group, from January 1st 2010 to the date this request is processed.
- Any emails between Office of Investigative Technology staff discussing, about, or concerning FinFisher and Gamma Group, from January 1st 2010 to the date this request is processed.
In order to help to determine my status to assess fees, you should know that I am a journalist writing for Motherboard, VICE's technology and science site, and that this request is being made as part of news gathering.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Joseph Cox
From: Drug Enforcement Administration
An acknowledgement letter, stating the request is being processed.
From: DEA.FOIA
Good morning Mr. Cox,
Attached, you will find our response to your SARF case number 17-00408-F request.
Respectfully yours,
Joyce Whitley
Program Specialist
Freedom of Information/Privacy Act Unit (SARF)
(desk) 202-353-1212; (fax) 202-307-8556
FOIA/PA Main Phone Line 202-307-7596
From: Drug Enforcement Administration
A fix is required to perfect the request.
From: Joseph Cox
Hey,
If I was to provide a selection of keywords to search, would the DEA be able to provide all email threads between the Office of Investigative Technology that contained those keywords?
Thank you,
Joseph
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on April 12, 2017. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed. You had assigned it reference number #17-00489-F.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: DEA.FOIA
Hello Mr. Cox,
This is in response to your email requesting a status update on FOIA request 17-00489-F. Please be advised, that based on your previously submitted email dated May 04, 2017 questioning "If I was to provide a selection of keywords to search, would the DEA be able to provide all email threads between the Office of Investigative Technology that contained those keywords?"; Ms. Sandifer, the Government Information Specialist that is currently handling your request, has informed me that she will consult with the Office of Investigative Technology (ST) in regards to your question. Once Ms. Sandifer receives a response, she will notify you. Your continued patience in this matter is greatly appreciated.
If you have any further questions or concerns please feel to contact our Customer Service Hotline at 202-307-7596.
Respectfully yours,
Deshelia Wallace
Government Information Specialist
Freedom of Information/Privacy Act Unit (SARF)
(Desk) 202-307-4264; (fax) 202-307-8556
FOIA/PA Main Phone Line 202-307-7596
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on April 12, 2017. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response. You had assigned it reference number #17-00489-F.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on April 12, 2017. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response. You had assigned it reference number #17-00489-F.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on April 12, 2017. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response. You had assigned it reference number #17-00489-F.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on April 12, 2017. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response. You had assigned it reference number #17-00489-F.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on April 12, 2017. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response. You had assigned it reference number #17-00489-F.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on April 12, 2017. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response. You had assigned it reference number #17-00489-F.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Drug Enforcement Administration
Good Morning Mr. Cox,
This email is in response to your status inquiry from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Freedom of Information and Privacy Act Section regarding your Request Number 17-00489-P. On July 15, 2021, Section Chief Kelleigh Miller responded to your inquiry with a status letter from the DEA. Therefore, we are in receipt of your past inquiries, and your recent inquiry of September 6, 2021, which we have attached to this email correspondence. Currently, the Government Information Specialist (GIS) is processing your request. Please be advised, due to the Pandemic, COVID-19, we remain impacted, and continue to telework with limited access to the office. We appreciate your continued patience. Should you have any further inquiries, please contact the GIS mentioned in the signature block of this email.
Best Regards,
George Pugh
IBSS Corp. Paralegal II Contractor
DEA Intake Unit, Freedom of Information and Privacy Act Section
U.S. Department of Justice
Drug Enforcement Administration
Attn: FOI/PA Section
8701 Morrissette Drive
Springfield, Virginia 22152
Email address: George.P.Pugh@dea.gov
Telephone number: (571) 776-2345
PRIVACY ACT NOTICE: This e-mail (including any attachments herein) may contain personal and privileged information that requires protection in compliance with the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. § 552a). Any use of this information by anyone other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please immediately delete all copies of this information and notify me by e-mail. The use, dissemination, distribution, or reproduction of this communication by unintended recipients in not authorized and may be unlawful.
-
RE: Freedom of Information Act Request #17-00489-F
From: Drug Enforcement Administration
Mr. Cox:
An email regarding a status update was forwarded to you previously from the Drug Enforcement Administration. Please note that an error for the request number was sent. Unfortunately, number 17-00489-P was stated on that email previously sent instead of the correct request number, which is 17-00489-F. Should you have any questions, please contact the Government Information Specialist indicated in the signature block below. We regret any inconveniences.
Sincerely,
Drug Enforcement Administration
Government Information Specialist
E-mail: Tracie.A.Sandifer@dea.gov<mailto:Tracie.A.Sandifer@dea.gov>
Phone: 571-776-3098
Tracie Sandifer
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on April 12, 2017. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response. You had assigned it reference number #17-00489-F.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on April 12, 2017. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response. You had assigned it reference number #17-00489-F.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Drug Enforcement Administration
Good Morning:
To: Mr. Cox/Muckrock Personnel:
This request was recently with management and is currently under processing by the Government Information Specialist. Thank you for your inquiry. If there are additional questions, please contact the Section Representative below.
Sincerely,
Drug Enforcement Administration
Government Information Specialist
E-mail: Tracie.A.Sandifer@dea.gov<mailto:Tracie.A.Sandifer@dea.gov>
Phone: 571-776-3098
GIS,Tracie Sandifer
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on April 12, 2017. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response. You had assigned it reference number #17-00489-F.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on April 12, 2017. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response. You had assigned it reference number #17-00489-F.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on April 12, 2017. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response. You had assigned it reference number #17-00489-F.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on April 12, 2017. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response. You had assigned it reference number #17-00489-F.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on April 12, 2017. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response. You had assigned it reference number #17-00489-F.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on April 12, 2017. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response. You had assigned it reference number #17-00489-F.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on April 12, 2017. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response. You had assigned it reference number #17-00489-F.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on April 12, 2017. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response. You had assigned it reference number #17-00489-F.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on April 12, 2017. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response. You had assigned it reference number #17-00489-F.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on April 12, 2017. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response. You had assigned it reference number #17-00489-F.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on April 12, 2017. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response. You had assigned it reference number #17-00489-F.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on April 12, 2017. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response. You had assigned it reference number #17-00489-F.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on April 12, 2017. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response. You had assigned it reference number #17-00489-F.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on April 12, 2017. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response. You had assigned it reference number #17-00489-F.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on April 12, 2017. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response. You had assigned it reference number #17-00489-F.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on April 12, 2017. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response. You had assigned it reference number #17-00489-F.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on April 12, 2017. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response. You had assigned it reference number #17-00489-F.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on April 12, 2017. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response. You had assigned it reference number #17-00489-F.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Muckrock Staff
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information Act request, copied below, and originally submitted on April 12, 2017. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response. You had assigned it reference number #17-00489-F.
Thanks for your help, and let me know if further clarification is needed.
From: Drug Enforcement Administration
Good morning,
Please see the Drug Enforcement Administration's response to Freedom of Information Act Case Number 21-00491-F.
V/R
Josh Delo
Unit Chief
Processing Sub-Unit
Freedom of Information and Privacy Act Unit
FOIA and Information Law Section
Drug Enforcement Administration
NOTICE: This e-mail (including any attachments herein) may contain personal and privileged information that requires protection in compliance with the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. § 552a). Any use of this information by anyone other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please immediately delete all copies of this information and notify me by e-mail. The use, dissemination, distribution, or reproduction of this communication by unintended recipients in not authorized and may be unlawful.
From: Joseph Cox
Hey,
I appeal this decision. The DEA's use of hacking tools is well publicised fact and is available to the public. Here are various high profile media reports on that:
https://www.vice.com/en/article/mgygmv/heres-a-dea-invoice-for-zero-day-exploits
https://www.vice.com/en/article/yp3v8y/dea-contract-with-hacking-team-spyware-foia
Please process my request with the understanding that the public already knows the DEA uses such technology; this means my request is unlikely to expose techniques.
Thank you.