Posted on 12/13/2004 12:46:54 AM PST by billorites
The FBI searched offices of a prominent public relations firm Tuesday, looking for information about its client Saudi Arabia, law enforcement sources said.
The firm, Qorvis Communications LLC, which was founded in 2000, bills itself as providing "communications for Wall Street, Main Street and K Street." Qorvis has offices in the District and Tysons Corner, and its clients also include Time Warner Inc. and the Urban League.
The FBI searched three of the firm's offices Tuesday afternoon, sources said. Michael Mason, head of the FBI's Washington field office, declined yesterday to characterize the nature of the investigation or identify the places that were searched. "We did execute searches at three locations," he said.
Officials at the U.S. attorney's office in Washington said the case is under seal and would not reveal details.
"The raids are in conjunction with an ongoing investigation and therefore it would be inappropriate for me to comment," said Channing Phillips, spokesman for the U.S. attorney's office in Washington.
< SNIP >
Saudi Arabia is the only foreign government on Qorvis's client list.
"Qorvis has fully complied with this registration statute and we feel confident this will be resolved favorably," the company said.
A Justice Department report on the law provided a window into the company's activities. It stated that the Saudi Arabian Embassy paid Qorvis $14.6 million for a six-month period, ending Dec. 31, 2002, for lobbying and public relations, including the distribution of material "to promote public awareness" of Saudi Arabia's "commitment in the war against terrorism and to peace in the Middle East," the report said.
On behalf of Saudi Arabia, Qorvis contacted the media, congressional staff members and Bush administration officials to discuss Middle East issues, child abduction and a communications strategy for the crown prince's visit with President Bush, the document said.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
Well, how interesting!
And...
Saudi Arabia a 'Fascinating Client' for Qorvis By Judy Sarasohn Thursday, March 21, 2002; Page A33
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