US Secret Service (USSS)

The US Secret Service (USSS) was established in July 5, 1865 and was initially tasked to investigate and prevent counterfeiting of the US currency. Its primary objective is to maintain the integrity of the financial structure of the United States. Its criminal investigation is not limited within the US territory, but may involve international investigations as well. The agency is currently within the control and administration of the Homeland Security Services. The department is able to make thousands of arrests involving counterfeiting with at least 98% convictions.

US Secret Service Authority

The powers, duties and authorities of the US Secret Service (USSS) are derived from the 18 US Code 3056 granting the agency the following:

• Protect the President and vice president elect, including their children and spouses
• Provide protection to head of foreign governments, US representatives on special missions in other countries and other distinguished visitors to the US
• Make an arrest for violating the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and other financial institutions like federal banks
• Arrest individuals who counterfeit US currency and coins
• Carry firearms
• Serve a warrant and make an arrest even without a warrant when a federal offense is committed in their agent’s presence
• Pay a reward for giving an information that can lead to the enforcement of the laws and arrest of individuals who violate the laws that the agency is authorized to enforce
• Forfeiture of assets

US Secret Service Responsibilities

The criminal investigations conducted by the US Secret Service (USSS) are mostly concerned with the enforcement of law against counterfeiting and it may extend to investigate the following crimes:

• Currency counterfeiting
• Financial fraud
• Identity theft related to frauds involving checks, banks, credit cards and skimming devices, passport and visa.
• Fraudulent identification
• Cyberspace crimes and other electronic financial crimes
• Forgery
• Money laundering