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TO: CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
SUBJECT: The SAR Activity Review

Attached is a copy of The SAR Activity Review published by the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). This is the first edition of The SAR Activity Review , which will be published semiannually. The publication will provide feedback to financial institutions about suspicious activity reported to FinCEN by the institutions.

The SAR Activity Review contains Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) statistics; patterns and trends of suspicious activity that have been reported; tips and guidance for financial institutions on form preparation and filing; and recently released statistics from the American Bankers Association (ABA) Check Fraud Survey. The SAR Activity Review and FinCEN's press release may be found on FinCEN's Web site at .

In a continuing effort to assist banks in Bank Secrecy Act compliance, anti-money laundering efforts, and prevention and detection of other financial crimes, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (�౦��Ϸ����) will forward each issue of The SAR Activity Review to �౦��Ϸ����-supervised banks. Please circulate copies to each department of your institution with Bank Secrecy Act compliance and internal security responsibilities.

Comments about The SAR Activity Review should be addressed to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, Office of Strategic Analysis, U.S. Department of the Treasury, Suite 200, 2070 Chain Bridge Road, Vienna, VA 22182. Comments may also be faxed to FinCEN at (703) 905-3698. E-mail comments may be addressed to ora@fincen.gov.

For your reference, all �౦��Ϸ���� Financial Institution Letters published since January of 1995 may be found on the �౦��Ϸ����'s Web site at under "News, Events, FOIA."

Michael J. Zamorski
Acting Director

Distribution

�౦��Ϸ����-Supervised Banks (Commercial and Savings) 

Note

Paper copies of �౦��Ϸ���� financial institution letters may be obtained through the �౦��Ϸ����'s Public Information Center, 801 17th Street, NW, Room 100, Washington, DC 20434 (800-276-6003 or (703) 562-2200).