In a recent development, the House Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government revealed that it has acquired documents that shed light on federal agencies flagging financial transactions for financial institutions. These transactions were flagged using politically sensitive terms like "MAGA" and "Trump."
A recent panel discussed a concerning initiative that could potentially result in Americans having their transactions monitored, even for seemingly harmless activities like buying a Bible or shopping at sporting goods stores.
The committee expressed deep concern over the extensive financial surveillance conducted by the FBI, which was done in collaboration with federal law enforcement. They emphasized the potential threat this poses to the civil liberties of Americans, highlighting the need for the FBI to uphold fundamental rights and freedoms.
The panel later revealed its intention to conduct interviews with high-ranking intelligence officials, such as Noah Bishoff, the former Director of the Office of Stakeholder Integration and Engagement in the Strategic Operations Division of the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).
When reaching out to Bishoff, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan emphasized the significant findings that his investigation had already revealed.
"In his statement, he mentioned the discovery of certain materials, which included a document suggesting the utilization of common terms such as 'TRUMP' and 'MAGA' to search through Zelle payment messages. Additionally, he referred to a previous analysis conducted by FinCEN on indicators of Lone Actor/Homegrown Violent Extremism," he stated. Based on the analysis, financial institutions were alerted by FinCEN about indicators of 'extremism'. These indicators encompass expenses related to transportation, such as bus tickets, rental cars, or plane tickets, for travel to areas with no apparent purpose. Additionally, the purchase of books, including religious texts, and subscriptions to other media containing extremist views were also highlighted. FinCEN has called on large financial institutions to carefully review the private transactions of their customers, specifically looking for any suspicious charges related to political or religious expression that is protected by law.
A recent panel discussed a concerning initiative that could potentially result in Americans having their transactions monitored, even for seemingly harmless activities like buying a Bible or shopping at sporting goods stores.
The committee expressed deep concern over the extensive financial surveillance conducted by the FBI, which was done in collaboration with federal law enforcement. They emphasized the potential threat this poses to the civil liberties of Americans, highlighting the need for the FBI to uphold fundamental rights and freedoms.
The panel later revealed its intention to conduct interviews with high-ranking intelligence officials, such as Noah Bishoff, the former Director of the Office of Stakeholder Integration and Engagement in the Strategic Operations Division of the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).
When reaching out to Bishoff, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan emphasized the significant findings that his investigation had already revealed.
"In his statement, he mentioned the discovery of certain materials, which included a document suggesting the utilization of common terms such as 'TRUMP' and 'MAGA' to search through Zelle payment messages. Additionally, he referred to a previous analysis conducted by FinCEN on indicators of Lone Actor/Homegrown Violent Extremism," he stated. Based on the analysis, financial institutions were alerted by FinCEN about indicators of 'extremism'. These indicators encompass expenses related to transportation, such as bus tickets, rental cars, or plane tickets, for travel to areas with no apparent purpose. Additionally, the purchase of books, including religious texts, and subscriptions to other media containing extremist views were also highlighted. FinCEN has called on large financial institutions to carefully review the private transactions of their customers, specifically looking for any suspicious charges related to political or religious expression that is protected by law.
