The results of millions of dollars of research and development can fit onto a floppy disk and be carried overseas in a shirt pocket. We have conducted several investigations involving technical data disclosures at our national labs. Scientists love to share information. We have worked long and hard to educate the scientists at our national labs about their export control responsibilities. We have held seminars and spoken at lab training sessions.
Education is our best weapon to prevent violations.
Another case involves the oral exchange of controlled information between a U.S. party and a foreign national. This visit was not mentioned on the visa application nor did the individual visit the fairly benign U.S. business that was listed on the application. Further checking turned up that the individual was associated closely with a program to develop weapons of mass destruction. Our agent discovered that controlled information was discussed in the course of several technical discussions. There is now an investigation underway to determine exactly what happened and who is responsible.