Operation Cheshire Cat/Wonderland Club (Department of Treasury)

To Whom It May Concern:

Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, I hereby request the following records:

All investigative records and files concerning Operation Cheshire Cat.

Operation Cheshire Cat is described as follows in a July 19, 2001 report from the Justice Department Office of the Inspector General (attached):
"[The Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS)] worked with the U.S. Customs Service on one such investigation, a multi-national effort entitled Operation Cheshire Cat culminating in 1998. It resulted in the arrest of 107 individuals in 12 countries who were dealing in Internet child pornography. This investigation focused on the Wonderland Club, an Internet pedophile ring, that required its members to submit at least 10,000 pornographic images of children for exchange with other members."

The investigation was also described as follows by then-Customs Service Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly in testimony before the House Committee on Ways and Means on April 13, 1999 (also attached):
"Operation Cheshire Cat, a Customs-initiated worldwide investigation into the diabolical world of international child pornography and child sexual exploitation, exposed to the world the dark side of the Internet - a side that is invasive, insidious and incalculable. This one investigative action uncovered an international alliance of approximately 200 sexual predators in 47 countries including Australia, Great Britain and the United States."

The investigation was also described as follows by Alan Gershel, Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Criminal Division in testimony before the House SUBCOMMITTEE ON TELECOMMUNICATIONS, TRADE, AND CONSUMER PROTECTION in May 2000 (also attached):
"The CEOS works closely with United States Customs Service and its Cyber Smuggling Center, which has several undercover operations in effect. CEOS is working with the Customs Service on Operation Cheshire Cat, an international child pornography investigation. This operation was an outgrowth of the Orchid Club case to which I have referred in my written testimony. For the preparation for this project, CEOS worked with the Customs Service in 28 Federal districts to develop search warrant affidavits and provide other guidance. CEOS continues to provide technical assistance on this and other Customs Service child pornography projects."

In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter.

I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.

Sincerely,

Shawn Musgrave