New task force will focus on potential tax violations and alleged ties to extremist activity.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Federal authorities are forming a joint initiative between the FBI and the Internal Revenue Service to investigate nonprofit organizations suspected of having links to domestic terrorism, according to reporting by CBS News.
The effort stems from a directive issued in December by Attorney General Pam Bondi, who instructed federal prosecutors and law enforcement agencies to pursue investigations and potential prosecutions of individuals and groups identified as “extremist.” The guidance outlined concerns about organizations or movements that may use violence or threats of violence to advance political or social objectives.
In a Dec. 4 memorandum, Bondi described domestic terrorism as activity involving violence or threats tied to a range of ideological positions, including opposition to law enforcement or immigration policies.
The initiative will involve agents from the IRS Criminal Investigation division working alongside FBI personnel, focusing in part on potential tax-related offenses. Officials said the IRS role would center on identifying cases in which organizations are suspected of defrauding the agency.
A centralized command structure for the effort will be based within the FBI, with IRS agents assigned on temporary rotations. The FBI is expected to compile a list of groups whose activities may meet the federal definition of domestic terrorism.
A Justice Department spokesperson said the initiative is part of broader efforts to uphold the rule of law and address criminal activity tied to extremist conduct, while protecting public safety and constitutional rights.
The development reflects increased coordination between federal agencies as authorities expand enforcement tools to address both financial and operational aspects of organizations under investigation.
Comments