Overview

The counterproliferation threat facing the U.S. includes ongoing efforts by nation-states to acquire weapons of mass destruction (WMD); the increase of advanced weapons technology worldwide; and attempts by terrorist groups to obtain WMD or advanced weapons technology.

In July 2011, responding to the threat, the FBI combined three counterproliferation-related components into a single jointly-managed entity at FBI Headquarters—the Counterproliferation Center (CPC)—to disrupt global proliferation networks. The three components include:

• The WMD Directorate, which provides scientific expertise;
• The Counterintelligence Division, which provides operational expertise; and
• The Directorate of Intelligence, which provides analytical expertise.

The creation of the CPC has resulted in an expanded counterproliferation mandate and enhanced coordination among various related components, including agents, analysts, and professional staff.

The CPC mission is to lead the FBI’s efforts to identify, deny, disrupt, and exploit attempts to obtain or divert embargoed, export-controlled, or otherwise sensitive technologies or activities related to WMD (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or explosive), missile delivery systems, space or conventional weapons systems, or dual-use components. CPC personnel also work to identify critical intelligence gaps in the current threat environment, look at proliferation threats emerging on the horizon, and develop strategies to ensure that the FBI continues to be well-positioned to address the counterproliferation threats of today and tomorrow.

To accomplish its mission, the CPC:

• Focuses resources on the identification, penetration, mitigation, and disruption of proliferation networks that are engaged in efforts to acquire and utilize WMD and critical controlled U.S. technologies;
• Provides support, direction, and guidance for investigations and operations involving violations of the Arms Export Control Act, Export Administration Act, Trading with the Enemy Act, and International Emergency Economic Powers Act in furtherance of non-proliferation under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, Chemical Weapons Convention, Biological Weapons and Toxins Convention, Missile Technology Control Regime, and the Wassenaar Agreement;
• Acts as the intermediary focal point for the liaison with the U.S. intelligence community, federal law enforcement, and global partners on all FBI counterproliferation matters;
• Leverages both intelligence and law enforcement, as well as techniques to counter the ever-changing proliferation threat;
• Maintains comprehensive knowledge of all pending counterproliferation investigations and proliferation trends, specifically those with an established nexus to WMD information, technology, equipment, and export-controlled military and dual-use items or items controlled under sanctions with weapon applications;
• Centralizes the production and integration of all-source intelligence to provide FBI field offices with strategic threat and network information; and
• Coordinates and manages training requirements for counterproliferation with the Counterintelligence Training Center and other entities to ensure investigators and analysts have the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities to effectively carry out the FBI’s counterproliferation mission.