BOSNIA: BLUE LANTERN - CASE

UNCLAS SARAJEVO 001137 SIPDIS STATE FOR PM/DTCC - BLUE LANTERN COORDINATOR E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ETTC KOMC BK SUBJECT: BOSNIA: BLUE LANTERN - CASE #050013980/050013981/050013982 REF: A. SECSTATE 87487 ¶B. SECSTATE 87488 ¶1. Per the action request in Reftels, post conducted an on-site end-use survey of referenced equipment (Sarajevo Canton Ministry of Internal Affairs, SIPA) and the intermediate consignee (MIPO Komunikacije). ¶2. On August 27, we visited both the Sarajevo Canton Minister of Internal Affairs (MUP) Surveillance Unit and the State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA) SWAT branch office, the end-users of the three night vision devices described in Reftel. We confirmed possession of the three night vision devices with the following serial numbers, #1720003, #1688522, and #1714895. We also verified that the offices were using the devices as stated in the license application. Although the SIPA SWAT branch office actively used its night vision device in its mobile unit, Sarajevo Canton MUP officials confessed that they rarely use the two night vision devices because they lack officers who are trained in their use. This became apparent when they brought out the two devices that were still stored in the FedEx box in which they arrived in 2006. MUP and SIPA officials with whom we spoke understand the prohibition against unauthorized re-transfer and re-export of such items. SIPA SWAT branch secures its night vision device in its locked mobile unit. Sarajevo Canton MUP secures its night vision devices in a locked storage room on-site. ¶3. On September 11, we visited the intermediate consignee, MIBO Komunikacije. MIBO has been the subject of previous research for partnership opportunities with U.S. companies and therefore has been vetted by post's econ/commercial section. The company has a large portfolio of both Bosnian government and private sector clients and is a well-known local supplier of U.S. communications equipment. MIBO Komunikacije was established in 1996 and is currently divided into four sectors: MIBO IT Communications, MIBO Radio Communications and Police Equipment, MIBO Telemetry and MIBO Repair and Maintenance Service. MIBO's principals include General Manager Mirsad Keskic, Deputy Manager Nedin Mujezinovic, IT Department Director Zlatan Sehovic and Radio Department Sales Manager Zlatan Semic. The company's clients include the BiH State Border Service, the BiH Ministry of Defense, the Central Bank of BiH, U.S. Embassy Sarajevo, USAID-Sarajevo, the European Commission, BH Telekom, and many others. MIBO Komunikacije has prior experience handling sensitive U.S. technology including night vision devices and understands the prohibition against unauthorized re-transfer and re-export of such items. We verified that they have secure storage facilities and proper accounting procedures for handling sensitive U.S. technology. They have a storage facility that is secured with cameras, an alarm and a security guard. RECOMMENDATION -------------- ¶4. We believe the intermediate consignee to be a trustworthy vendor. We also believe that the Reftel equipment is being used in accordance with its export license and the end- users are reliable recipients of sensitive U.S. technology. ENGLISH