Stolen military equipment offered on eBay, Craigslist

By Stephen Withers
Monday, 14 April 2008 12:39

Networking

US government investigators have found stolen pieces of military materiel up for sale on eBay and Craigslist.

The legwork was carried out by the Government Accountability Office at the request of a congressional subcommittee. While some of the items were relatively harmless, such as pilfered ration packs, others were more serious.

Examples include parts for F-14 fighter aircraft, a full uniform, a NBC (nuclear biological chemical) suit, helmets, body armour, and night-vision goggles.

The F-14 parts were of particular concern as they are supposed to be destroyed and are likely to be purchased by the Iranian military, which still operates the fighters that were supplied during the Shah's regime.

It seems much of the equipment was stolen (no great surprise there, but read on to find out another possible source), and that the vendors were largely a mix of current or former military personnel or dealers.

"Advertisements for the sensitive defense-related items GAO purchased were not removed by Web site administrators, allowing investigators to buy the items. Both Web sites maintain lists of items that are prohibited from sale, including stolen items, but only eBay contains warnings related to overseas sales and the improper sale of sensitive defense-related items," said the GAO report authored by Gregory Kutz, managing director of forensic audits and special investigations.

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