A new website -- Who’s A Rat.com (www.whosarat.com) allows users to post local, state and federal agents’ and informants’ names, pictures and related information online for public consumption. All law enforcement officers and contract employees should be aware of this current threat.
Each listing attempts to include the informant’s or officer’s full name, age, location, race, occupation, agency, facts that allegedly bring the subject’s credibility or informant status into question, known illegal activity, criminal record, if applicable, and photograph, if available. Users are also required to provide their own personal contact information or that of their lawyer.
This information is provided to alert law enforcement agencies of the existence of such a website for officer safety and the safety of confidential sources to the fact that this website exists.
Though stated in the disclaimer by “Who’s A Rat”, that all content in its site is for information/entertainment purposes only, the danger exists for exploitation by criminal and/or terrorist entities.
In the course of your duties, should any law enforcement officer, person or informant or investigation be identified or threatened through any disclosures via the “Who’s a Rat” website, immediately notify the ICE Operations Center at 202-616-5000.
Sean Bucci, Founder and President of the “Who’s A Rat” website states that the website is intended to be used as a resource for defendants, as “users can enter criminal defense attorneys information into a searchable database, as well as upload case law or documents that may be helpful to others.”
The “Latest News” section highlights current reports of criminal cases and paid informants, while the website’s message board allows users to discuss cases and witnesses.
The first of its kind, this website launched a week ago and has already recorded over 70,000 visits. In addition, the website is free and does not require registration to view or post profiles or use other features other than the message board.
Source: Member Submission