WaPo: FBI Erred Widely in Moussaoui Probe, Report Says

FBI Erred Widely in Moussaoui Probe, Report Says
'Numerous Systemic Problems' Kept Agency From Discovering
al-Qaeda Operative's Role Before 9/11

By Jerry Markon and Dan Eggen
Washington Post Staff Writers
Tuesday, June 20, 2006; Page A06

The FBI's mistakes in the investigation of Zacarias Moussaoui extended from headquarters
officials who dismissed the threat posed by the al-Qaeda operative down to field agents
and even a prominent FBI whistle-blower, according to a government report made public
yesterday.

The report by Justice Department Inspector General Glenn A. Fine said "numerous systemic
problems" within the bureau prevented the FBI from unraveling Moussaoui's role in the Sept.
11, 2001, terror plot when he was arrested a month before the attacks. Moussaoui later became
the only person charged in a U.S. courtroom in connection with the attacks. He was sentenced
to life in prison last month.

Fine concluded that senior FBI managers failed to move aggressively to gain a warrant
to search Moussaoui's belongings before Sept. 11. But unlike previous public criticisms of the
FBI's bungling of the case -- which have focused on senior FBI managers in Washington -- Fine's
analysis said there was plenty of blame to go around.

Ultimately, Fine concluded, no FBI policies or procedures were violated in the Moussaoui
investigation. "It is important to state that we did not conclude that any FBI employee
committed intentional misconduct, or that anyone attempted to deliberately 'sabotage' "
the investigation, Fine wrote.