Comments on: Chinese Spy Arrested for Export Violations During Atlanta Layover

By: Clif Burns

Clif Burns — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 21:42:46 +0000

I agree that the USML and CCL need to be reviewed and rationalized but the Chinese weren’t trying to buy the outmoded stuff still on those lists (e.g., vintage military electronics). eBay already has a million or so restrictions on stuff that can be sold — from alcohol to weapons, from human remains to used cosmetics, from hazardous materials to pets. There is no reason for it to permit sales of current military items without an export restriction. I was just suggesting that if eBay doesn’t respond to this problem, the USG may respond for it. I wasn’t really calling for eBay auctions of vintage combat walkie-talkies to result in criminal prosecutions.

By: Thomas Paine

Thomas Paine — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 21:18:57 +0000

There’s a lot of existing silliness on the SME/CLI/CCI/USML lists that needs to be sorted before Uncle starts getting heavy-handed with Ebay vendors and buyer/collectors, as Hugh has said. Right now those non-exportable lists expand daily as items are added without an awful lot of thought given as to just how some nefarious group is exactly supposed to exploit 20 year old outboard motor parts or ancient Simpson voltmeters that have been available at every swap meet and Hamfest since the Garden of Eden – yet such are regularly DEMIL D and are added to these prohibitive lists with a casual bureaucratic cluelessness people seem prepared to dismiss with a patriotic wave of the flag. It’s wrong, people. Someone needs to get a handle on all this before the jails fill up with “National Security Risks” who just bought some accessory for their restored Humvee on Craigslist. Orwell wasn’t far off. Jackboots are Jackboots irrespective of who’s doing the wearing.

By: Hugh

Hugh — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 02:30:14 +0000

Before the US govt gets heavy-handed on eBay sellers (et al) it might be a prime time to overhaul the contents of the USML, address the problem of dual-use items, and generally reform the export control system. I’d speculate that DDTC is ill-staffed to handle the barrage of requests, issues and questions if they tried to impose some form of export controls on eBay or others without cleaning up the general useability of the regulations for the average well-meaning Web 2.0 punter. Otherwise it might become a case of “Be careful what you ask for”!

By: Hillbilly

Hillbilly — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 23:00:48 +0000

Gives new meaning to the old joke here in The South: Whether you’re going to Heaven or to Hell, you’ve got to go through Atlanta.

By: John Q. Citizen

John Q. Citizen — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 17:19:00 +0000

The feds should start planning now to build a new Supermax prison just for eBay and Craigslist criminals. After all, we need someplace to put all of those nefarious Cuban cigar buyers. . .unless we just send them to Gitmo.

By: Reverend Jaxon

Reverend Jaxon — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 17:15:58 +0000

in ‘06, engine parts for a T-56 engine were listed for sale on eBay. Perhaps, eBay ought to consider incorporating an export compliance department.

By: Jairo

Jairo — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:16:38 +0000

I think DDTC is trying to build up a comprehensive case. They don’t want a slap in the wrist for behemonts like e-Bay or Craig. They want everyone to read a big headline like the one with ITT. Good deterrant for possible violators. Go through the settlement, fines and penalties by the millions, setting up an export compliance program, hiring export compliance experts. Hey! I got to polish my resume…..

By: Erich C. Ferrari

Erich C. Ferrari — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 02:02:02 +0000

Just another good example of how Web 2.0 and the rise of online social platforms continues to facilitate the violation of U.S. export laws. I think you’re right on point when stating that if these companies don’t start addressing these issues, the government’s going to get very involved very soon.