Operation Guard Shack Press Conference

Attorney General Eric Holder flanked by U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodriguez-Velez, Puerto Rico and FBI Executive Assistant Director Shawn Henry announces the results of Operation Guard Shack - the largest police corruption investigation in FBI history. This morning, federal agents in Puerto Rico began arresting 133 individuals - including more than 90 law enforcement officers - on charges that they participated in, or helped to facilitate, illegal drug transactions.

"This Department has one message for anyone willing to abuse the public trust for personal gain." “This Department has one message for anyone willing to abuse the public trust for personal gain: you will be caught; you will be stopped; and you will be punished. The Department of Justice is committed to holding those who swear to protect and serve their fellow citizens accountable. In our work to root out corruption and safeguard public resources, we will follow the facts where they lead, and we will do so without fear or favor.”

FBI Assistant Director Henry details aspects of the investigation. The case that has since been named “Operation Guard Shack” began more than two years ago when FBI Special Agent Jose Figueroa Sancha began investigating corrupt San Juan police officers.

FBI Executive Assistant Director Shawn Henry talks of the operation and the outstanding investigative work led by the FBI's San Juan Division. During the course of this two-year investigation, the entire San Juan Field Office - which includes 160 agents - directly participated or assisted in Operation Guard Shack. Approximately 750 FBI personnel were flown in to Puerto Rico from across the country to assist in this morning's arrests.

Photo from the FBI website showing the many arrest sites across Puerto Rico. As of the beginning of the press conference 129 of 133 arrests had been made. The colors represent how cases were divided into tactical operations.