Predatory Crime Unit

The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Predatory Crimes Unit is dedicated to protecting Tribal communities from some of the most serious and damaging offenses facing Indian Country today. Our investigators specialize in crimes that target the vulnerable, exploit trust, and often cross jurisdictional lines — working alongside Tribal, federal, state, and local partners to bring offenders to justice and support survivors.

We understand that these crimes carry a heavy toll on individuals, families, and communities. Our unit is built to respond with the expertise, sensitivity, and coordination these cases demand.

We take a proactive approach to this work. Rather than waiting to respond after harm occurs, we position ourselves between vulnerable individuals and those who would target them—through early intervention, community presence, and ongoing investigation aimed at disrupting predatory behavior before it escalates.

Cyber and Technology-Facilitated Crime: As criminals increasingly use technology to target victims, our unit investigates online exploitation, fraud, harassment, and other tech-enabled offenses affecting Tribal communities. We work to identify offenders operating across digital platforms and hold them accountable, regardless of location.

Child Exploitation: Protecting children is one of our highest priorities. We investigate child sexual abuse material, online predators, and exploitation cases, partnering with federal task forces and child advocacy centers to ensure thorough investigations and coordinated support for young victims and their families.

Human Trafficking: Human trafficking, including sex trafficking and labor trafficking, disproportionately affects Tribal communities. Our unit works to identify trafficking networks, rescue victims, and pursue traffickers, while connecting survivors with culturally informed resources and long-term support.

Serial and Pattern Crimes: Some offenders target multiple victims over time, sometimes across different Tribal jurisdictions. We specialize in identifying patterns, linking cases that might otherwise appear isolated, and coordinating multi-agency investigations to stop repeat offenders.

• Investigative expertise in complex, evidence-intensive cases involving digital forensics and multi-jurisdictional coordination
• Partnership with Tribal, federal, state, and local law enforcement and victim service organizations
• Victim-centered support, connecting survivors and families with advocacy, counseling, and safety resources
• Community education to help Tribal members recognize warning signs and know how to report concerns safely

Beyond our own casework, the Predatory Crimes Unit serves as a resource for Tribal, federal, state, and local agencies handling predatory crime investigations. We are available to assist requesting agencies with:

• Technical and Investigative Support — Specialized expertise for agencies working complex or technology-facilitated cases, including guidance on investigative strategy and case development.
• Digital Evidence Collection — Assistance with the proper identification, preservation, and collection of digital evidence to ensure it holds up through prosecution.
• Digital Forensics — Forensic analysis of digital devices and platforms to uncover evidence, establish timelines, and identify offenders.
• Case Consultation and Guidance — Our investigators' experience, applied to help partner agencies navigate difficult or unfamiliar aspects of predatory crime cases, from initial response through prosecution.
• Investigative Training — Training for law enforcement partners in both proactive techniques (identifying warning signs, building intelligence, disrupting offenders before harm occurs) and reactive techniques (evidence collection, victim interviews, case coordination after a crime has occurred).
• Community Cyber Awareness Education — Presentations and outreach to Tribal communities on recognizing and responding to online predatory behavior, helping members protect themselves and their families in digital spaces.

Agencies seeking assistance with case consultation, forensic support, tips, or training coordination can contact the unit at BIA_PCU@BIA.GOV

Submit Information or Tips to 1-833-560-2065

• Use this Tip resource to report federal crimes and submit tips about predatory crime cases in Indian Country.
• When submitting a Tip, be as specific as possible.
• Submit your information only once. An investigator will contact you.

Bureau of Indian Affairs — Predatory Crimes Unit: Protecting Tribal Communities Through Proactive Investigation and Partnership