Warren T. Bamford, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), along with Colonel Mark F. Delaney, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police, Harold W. Clarke, Commissioner, Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC), and Michael J. Sullivan, United States Attorney, jointly announced today an increase from $1 million to up to $2 million reward offered for information leading directly to the arrest of James J. Bulger, commonly known as "Whitey." One of the FBI's "Ten Most Wanted Fugitives," Bulger has been a fugitive since his disappearance in 1995.

Along with this increased reward money, the FBI is also issuing a new Top Ten wanted poster of Bulger which will be distributed across the country to its 56 field divisions and to the FBI's 60 Legal Attaché offices around the world. The poster reflects the increased monetary reward and introduces two new age enhanced photographs produced by the FBI Laboratory.

SAC Warren T. Bamford stated, "The publicity that we seek concerning the reward increase will help to put Bulger's picture out there world wide. Every time his photo is seen, another set of eyes are engaged to try and find him. I am confident that he will be captured."

United States Attorney Michael J. Sullivan said, "The Bulger Fugitive Task Force continues to conduct a comprehensive worldwide fugitive investigation to apprehend James "Whitey" Bulger. The $2 million dollar reward is yet another way to increase awareness and visibility of Bulger's photo and to encourage anyone who might have information to come forward."

"As evidenced by the new photos produced by the FBI, the hunt for Bulger combines advanced technology with diligent, old-fashioned police work. This renewed appeal to the public further aids that effort. We urge people, wherever they live or travel, to look at this new poster and provide law enforcement officials with any information they may have. The State Police are dedicated to working with our law enforcement partners to see this search through to a successful conclusion," said Colonel Mark F. Delaney.

"This strengthened appeal is proof we believe that James J. "Whitey" Bulger is a dangerous criminal who should be apprehended," said DOC Commissioner Clarke. "We will continue to offer whatever assistance is needed to that end."

FACTS OF OFFENSE

James "Whitey" Bulger, since leaving the United States Air Force in 1952, has been involved in a life of crime. He was the longtime head of Boston's Irish mob following his release from Alcatraz prison where he served a federal sentence for bank robbery in the 1960s. Bulger was a crime boss in South Boston where he ran a criminal organization for 30 years in that area. He funded his activities through the extortion of illegitimate criminal operations including gambling, loan-sharking, and drugs. On January 10, 1995, James J. Bulger and six other Boston-area organized crime figures were indicted by a Federal Grand Jury in Boston, Massachusetts, for violation of the Racketeering and Influenced Corrupt Organizations (RICO) statute and arrest warrants were issued. On September 28, 2000, Bulger was charged for his role in 19 murders during the 1970s and 1980s in connection with his leadership of his organized crime group.

MODUS OPERANDI

James "Whitey" Bulger is believed to be traveling with his girlfriend, Catherine Elizabeth Greig. Greig has been charged with harboring a fugitive. Since becoming a fugitive, Bulger and Greig are known to have been in various places throughout the United States to include Arizona, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Mississippi, New York, Tennessee, Texas, and Wyoming. The last known witness sighting of Bulger was in London, England, in 2002. Prior to being a fugitive, Bulger is known to have traveled extensively outside the United States, visiting such countries as Canada, England, France, Italy, Ireland, and Mexico.

Bulger is believed to be financially independent. Bulger appears to have planned for his life on the run by placing large sums of cash in safe deposit boxes throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. He established a false identity prior to his fugitive status in order to facilitate his life on the run.

Bulger has exhibited a violent temper and reportedly carries a knife at all times. Bulger and Greig typically do not stay in one location for long periods of time. They stay in motels/hotels or houses which they rent for short periods of time, always paying by cash. Bulger is an avid history buff and has made it a point to travel to historical sites.

Bulger and Greig are known to be fond of animals. During their travels, Bulger and Greig have been known to befriend individuals who have dogs. Bulger has been known to utilize new $100.00 bills for purchases and expenses and may carry his cash supply in a fanny pack. Bulger has a rare coin collection, including Kruegerrands.

INVESTIGATION TO DATE

The fugitive investigation of James "Whitey" Bulger is conducted by the Bulger Fugitive Task Force (BFTF). This is a multiagency task force comprised of the FBI, the Massachusetts Department of Correction, the Massachusetts State Police, and the United States Attorney Office—District of Massachusetts. The primary mission of the BFTF is to achieve coordination and cooperation in bringing together the combined resources of these participating agencies to locate and apprehend Bulger. This includes the identification and prosecution of those individuals that have harbored Bulger during his fugitive status.

There have been many look-a-like sightings of Bulger across the globe. This worldwide fugitive hunt has taken the BFTF to Cambodia, Canada, Central and South America, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Thailand. Domestically, the BFTF has pursued look-a-like sightings in California, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, Illinois, and Virginia. The BFTF continues to diligently search for further evidence that Bulger has secreted money throughout the globe under alias identities.

James J. Bulger was the 458th person to be placed on the FBI's "Ten Most Wanted Fugitives" list, which began in 1950. Since then, 460 of the 490 fugitives placed on the list have been apprehended or located, 151 of them as a result of citizen assistance.

Anyone with information concerning James J. Bulger should contact the nearest FBI office. All inquires will be handled in strict confidence. If you are located outside the United States, contact the nearest United States Embassy or Consulate. James J. Bulger should be considered armed and extremely dangerous.

Additional information regarding James J. Bulger, including his wanted poster, is available on the FBI's Internet Home Page at www.fbi.gov.