'They cause doubt. If one of their members is caught, who will be named?'
Editor's Note: The following report is excerpted from Joseph Farah's G2 Bulletin, the premium online newsletter published by the founder of WND. Subscriptions are $99 a year or, for monthly trials, just $9.95 per month for credit card users, and provide instant access for the complete reports.
FBI chief Robert Mueller, III
LONDON – The high level of frustration expressed by British intelligence officials over their government's failure so far to win parliamentary support to extend the time terrorists can be held without charges from 28 to 42 days could be solved, according to America's top counter-terrorist officer, says a report in Joseph Farah's G2 Bulletin.
At a closed conference in London last week FBI chief Robert Mueller III warned that Britain's detention laws had created "a dark hole of intelligence" which was having a global effect. The solution, he said, was "plea-bargaining -- offering a deal in exchange for a sentence cut."
Mueller said the frustration of MI5 and MI6 due to the restrictions on how they can obtain "vital information" from suspects was seriously hampering the war on terror.
The conference was attended by Jonathan Evans, the director-general of MI5, and John Scarlett, the chief of MI6, along with senior members of Scotland Yard's anti-terrorist command.
Members of Europe's intelligence services also listened to Mueller say it was essential for Britain's security services to be allowed plea-bargaining.
"This system is widely used by the FBI and allows us to offer suspects much lighter court sentences in return for revealing everything they know about other members of their organization and its international links," said Mueller.
Mueller, a tall, greying 63-year-old, was made FBI chief a week before the 9/11 attacks.
"The information British suspects have must have a direct bearing on the terrorist threat the country faces. Some of that information, I am certain, relates to Muslim terror links with Pakistan," he said.
"Under our system suspects are bound, when they agree to plea bargaining, to sign a rigid contract. If it later emerges they have been holding back information, the contract is cancelled," said Mueller.
He cited one case which had dramatic results. Mohammed Babar, a Pakistani American, was captured by the FBI and admitted plotting bomb attacks in New York.
In his plea-bargain, Babar provided evidence that led to Scotland Yard's anti-terrorist command arresting seven men in Surrey who were hiding explosives in a garage. They planned to use them to blow up a major shopping mall and a popular London nightclub. All are now serving long prison sentences.
"Babar is a product of our plea-bargaining system. He saw the advantage of turning stool pigeon to reduce his sentence," said Mueller.
Original Source