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Investigation: Suspect uncooperative in court

FBI Director Robert Mueller is spearheading the largest investigation in United States history.

SUMMARY:

One of three men indicted on charges of identity fraud refused to reveal his nationality in federal court when a U.S. Magistrate asked him twice to identify his native country.

The Bush administration added 39 names Friday to the list of individuals and organizations whose assets in the United States are being frozen because they are suspected of providing financial support to terrorist groups.

A company responsible for security at several of the nation's airports -- including those where four hijacked planes departed last month on terrorist missions -- still has employees with criminal records working for it, despite a court order to re-check all employee backgrounds.

The FBI is warning that there is "reason to believe" that additional terrorist attacks may be made in the next several days within the United States or against U.S. interests overseas.

UPDATE:

Federal authorities said Friday they believe the man in federal court is Youseff Hmimssa, but he has several other known aliases, including Michael Saisa, Edgardo Colon, Patrick Vuillaume and "Jalai." When U.S. District Court Magistrate Virginia Morgan asked Hmimssa Thursday afternoon how old he was, he responded, in English, that he is 30 years old. But he stood mute and bowed his head when she asked him to tell the court his native country. (Full story)

The Bush administration also has asked other nations to use its list as part of a promised international crackdown on terrorist organizations and their financial sponsors. The 39 are in addition to the 27 names on the administration's initial list. Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill signed the "blocking order," which went into effect at 8 a.m. EDT. (Full story)

•  Summary   •  Update   •  Key questions   •  Who's who   •  Impact  CNN.COM SPECIAL REPORT  CNN NewsPass Video  Agencies reportedly got hijack tips in 1998  MORE STORIES Intelligence intercept led to Buffalo suspects Report cites warnings before 9/11  EXTRA INFORMATION Timeline: Who Knew What and When? Interactive: Terror Investigation Terror Warnings System Most wanted terrorists What looks suspicious? In-Depth: America Remembers In-Depth: Terror on Tape In-Depth: How prepared is your city?  RESOURCES On the Scene: Barbara Starr: Al Qaeda hunt expands? On the Scene: Peter Bergen: Getting al Qaeda to talk

The U.S. Justice Department announced Thursday it would pursue action against Atlanta-based Argenbright Security Inc., and the agency filed a petition in U.S. District Court in Philadelphia seeking to revoke the company's probation, imposed after sentencing. Company officials contend the latest allegations occurred before Argenbright implemented new compliance measures, while noting that top FAA representatives offered a favorable review during a July meeting. (Full story)

In a press release posted on the FBI's Web site, the bureau said Thursday's warning was prompted by "certain information" that was "not specific as to target."

"The FBI has again alerted all local law enforcement to be on the highest alert, and we call on all people to immediately notify the FBI and local law enforcement of any unusual or suspicious activity," the statement said. (Full story)

KEY QUESTIONS:

How well is law enforcement cooperating globally to coordinate the investigation?

How will the expansion of law-enforcement powers affect Americans' civil liberties? Click here for more.

How are people identified as suspected terrorists communicating with each other? Click here for more.

How are law-enforcement authorities using technology such as encryption tools to hunt terrorists? Click here for more.

What groups are U.S. investigators focusing on, and what are their aims? Click here for more.

How would law-enforcement authorities go after financial assets of people identified as terrorists? Click here for more.

How did the September 11 attackers evade U.S. intelligence? Click here for more.

WHO'S WHO:

George W. Bush: U.S. president

Colin Powell: U.S. secretary of state Click here for more

Condoleezza Rice: National security adviser Click here for more

John Ashcroft: U.S. attorney general

Robert Mueller: FBI director Click here for more

George Tenet: CIA director. Click here for more

Osama bin Laden: U.S. authorities have named bin Laden, a wealthy Saudi exile living in Afghanistan, as the prime suspect in masterminding the September 11 attacks. Click here for more

IMPACT:

Information gained from the investigation could lead to fundamental changes in U.S. security and intelligence systems, as well as surveillance laws.