T5 B69 Jetlease Fdr- Entire Contents- Fbi Docs And Withdrawal Notice 660

U.S. Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation Washington, D. C. 20535-0001

June 9,2004

fi\AM4us

Daniel Marcus, General Counsel National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States Suite 300 2100KStreet,N.W. Washington, D.C. 20036 RE: Commission's Request for Documents Dear Mr. Marcus: In response to the Commissions Request for Documents, please find the following:

•

•

Documents responsive to Document Request 35-13 -1 Packet & 1 CD-ROM; Documents responsive to Document Request 37-5 - 4 Packets; Documents responsive to Document Request 40-1 - 6 CD-ROMS; Documents responsive to Document Request 47-1 & 2; Documents responsive to Document Request 47-3; Documents in response to Miscellaneous Request #41 [Documents In Response to Request from Commission Staffer Dieter Snell -Documents on Fuad Bazarah] - 2ND Supplemental Packet; Documents in response to Miscellaneous Request #42 [Documents In Response to Request from Commission Staffer Thomas Eldridge -Information on "Bin Laden " Family Flights That Departed the United States in September 2001 -1 Supplemental Packet; Documents in response to Miscellaneous Request #52 [Documents In Response to Request from Commission -Digitized Photo ofl Subject -Supplemental CD-ROM.

This is part of the FBI's rolling production and thus may be supplemented in the future. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 202-324-9613. Sincerely,

Robert S. Sinton / Assistant General Counsel

DOCUMENTS REQUESTED B Y COMMISSION STAFFER THOMAS ELDRIDGE INFORMATION ON "BIN LADEN" FAMILY FLIGHTS THAT DEPARTED THE UNITED STATES IN SEPTEMBER 2001 RESPONSIVE

to MISCELLANEOUS REQUEST #42 from COMMISSION [SUPPLEMENTAL PACKET #1]

COMMISSION COPY

Law Enforcement Privacy WyV-Ql-31-2003)

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

Precedence: To:

Director.1 s Office

From:

Date:

ROUTINE

ATTN:

05/28/2004

SSA'-j_

Louisville''-.. LexingtonXRA Cdntact: SA

Approved By: Drafted Ily: Case ID #: \62F-HQ-C1 428 711 \) Title:

NATIONAL COMMISSION ON\TERRORISM, 911 TASK FORCE; \

: Synopsis: No airplane traffic at Blue Grass A'i.rport, Lexington, \Kentucky during ho-fly period following 09/11/20Q.1 crisis. \\Details: On 05/27/2004 Blue Grass Airport ( Lex ingtdn, Kentucky) \JAir Traffic Ma.nagef\f Ortman was recontacted by SA 1 j \ concerning '-allegations that fixed wing aircraft had taken off or landed a,t Blue Grass Airport during the FAA NO-FLY period directly following the attacks of 09/11 /'2.0 0 1 . Ortman _] that no reiterated information'-.previously provided to SA|_ fixed wing aircraft had\landed or taken off during the NO-FLY period mandated by the FAA in the days following 09/11/2001. The ortly air traffic at the a'-irport involved one or two flights by the University of Kentucky, "Lifeline" helicopters, duly authorized for the purpose\pf topping off fuel tanks in preparation for emergency flights. Ortman further advised that like every other airport in the United States, Blue Grass Airport was\d to civilian traffic: during the referenced period. \n 05/28/2004 D. Scott Lanter, Chief of Public Safety, Blue'-, Grass Airport was contacted, concerning the above noted allegations. Chief Lanter reaffirmed information provided previously, that no fixed wing traffic landed or took off from Blue 'Grass Airport while FAA NO-FLY directives were in place. was contacted On 05/28/2004 retired SSA \_ recalled by SA concerning the above issue. SSA having extensive contacts with FBIHQ concerning the Saudi Prince in Lexington, Kentucky for the annual Keeneland Horse Sales.

Misc. Req. #42 Supp.

000004765

j.1 Law Enforcement Privacy 'XTo: Director's Office From: Louisville '•••-.. 'Re: 62F-HQ-C1428711, 05/28/2004

S-Qon\afterxthe FAA had suspended all civilian air traffic in the United\ t a te'B... representatives from the Saudi Prince contacted the\SSA'| ['-concerning how they could arrange to fly the ..Prince's son frortK.Florida, where he attended college to 'Lexington, Kentucky'",--... then how he could depart the United States as soon\as possible. '"--They were concerned about their security. They hadXbeen transported to the U.S. via private Gulfstream IV, ta\Le number HZAFW, which '"had then left the U.S. with plans to ret.urn afte'r the horse sales'.-SSA'I I believed the'-.FAA first opened air traffic to fexit ''the U.S. 'only, but would not a'l-iow air traffic into the U.S. This prevented the Saudi Gulfstream from flying to Lexington, Kentucky to pick up the Saudi group. Arrangements were made by the Sau'dis to charter a Boeing 727 from Florida to fly to Lexington, Kentucky and take them to Gander,'"-••Newfoundland, then on Vto Europe and Saudi Arabia. Contacts with an SSA at FBIHQ (whipse nairie was not recalled) coordinated this departure to occur as sbon as\e FAA had authorized air traffic. SSA'-| I further noted that during the hectic days following 09/11/2001, he sppke with several supervisors at FBIHQ concerning these issues, but did not keep specific records. SSA 1 I also recalled he was advised by FBIHQ to coordinate with U.S. Customs at Blue Grass Airport and insure that only passengers who were not on the Terrorist Watch List ; were allowed to board the airplane. On 09/16/2001 the chartered \7 was Jflown to Lexington, Kentucky. A walk through search was ^conducted, of the Saudi plane by U.S. Customs, assisted by SA I \o insure only identified flight crew were present. '-Passports were then checked for all Saudi nationals who boarded the airplane to insure none were listed on the Watch List. The 'plane then was cleared for departure by the Blue Grass tower and the FAA. This departure occurred at least a day after FAA authorization for commercial flight was announced in the media. Similar procedures had been used in clearing the departing flights carrying citizens of the U.A.E. on 09/15/2001. SSA | | further advised it was his understanding that the FBI had no reason or jurisdiction to prevent either of the foreign groups from departing the U.S. The only reason for FBI presence at the airport was to assist the U.S. Customs in assuring no one from the Terrorist Watch List attempted to utilize these planes for escape from the U.S.

Misc. Req. #42 Supp.

000004766

To: Re:

Director's Of nee From: Louisville 62F-HQ-C1428711, 05/28/2004

LEAD(s) : Set Lead 1:

(Info)

D I R E C T O R ' S OFFICE

AT QEEOA S P U , DC Read and clear.

Misc. Req. #42 Supp.

000004767

ALL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE PERTAINING TO THE DEPARTURE OF SAUDI ARABIAN NATIONALS FROM THE UNITED STATES ON SEPTEMBER 13 AND SEPTEMBER 14, 2001.

FINAL DRAFT of RESPONSE to OCTOBER 2003 VANITY FAIR ARTICLE (RE: BINLADEN FAMILY DEPARTURES AFTER 09/11/2001)

RESPONSIVE to REQUEST #14-4 "SECRET MATERIAL ENCLOSED" "THIS PACKET CONTAINS SENSITIVE CRIMINAL AND/OR INTELLIGENCE INFORMA TION PERTAINING TO TERRORISM RELATED INVESTIGATIONS"

COMMISSION COPY

NCTA000088227

Chartered flight for Saudi Arabian group out of Lexington. Kentucky • On Sunday, September 16. 2001, at 4:30 p.m., a chartered luxury Boeing 727 aircraft landed at the airport in Lexington, Kentucky. The flight was chartered through Jetlease USA, 3700 Airport Road. Suite 204, Boca Raton, Florida 33431, telephone number 561362-8282. «. • After boarding its passengers, the chartered flight departed the United States during the evening hours of Sunday, September 16, 2001. •

The passengers included the following fourteen (14) individuals, none of which were juveniles: H.R.H. Prince Ahmed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz H.R.H. Sultan Bin Fahad Bin Salman Abdulaziz Ahmad O.H. Al-Biebi Hashim Abdelmagid Bashir Ali Ben Moliamed Aouni Jesus Calda Jack Rusbridge • Salah Al-Hammadi • Ehab Abuagla Salirn Moliamed Ahmed A.M. Al-Hazmi Talal M.M. Al-Mejrad Mohamed Osman Ahmed El-Marazki Aboulsalam A.M. Al-Haddad Faiiad A.A. Al Zeid

•

The plane was scheduled to fly to Goose Bay, Labrador for refueling prior to continuing on to London, England, and then to Saudi Arabia.

•

Searches/investigative steps: Prior to departure, FBI Louisville agents together with an officer from US Customs checked the crew from Florida and inspected the aircraft. During boarding, each passenger was identified by passport by a US Customs officer. Only the 14 passengers listed above boarded the chartered 727. Note: Prior to September 11, 2001, a group of Saudi Arabian nationals traveled to Lexington, KY. to attend the Keeneland horse auctions. Following the terrorist attacks, members of this group made several unsuccessful attempts to gain authorization for the usual Saudi government airplane to enter the United States. As a result, the group made arrangements for a chartered luxury Boeing 727 from Florida to fly to Lexington. KY. 9/11 Personal Privacy

REQ 14-4

OOOQQOOll NCTA000088239

9/11 Personal Privacy

Other Agencies involved: US Customs, Lexington, KY Police Department

REQ

14-4

000000012 NCTA000088240

WITHDRAWAL NOTICE RG: 148 Exposition, Anniversary, and Memorial Commissions SERIES: 9/11 Commission Team 5, FRC Box 31 NND PROJECT NUMBER:

51095

FOIA CASE NUMBER: 30383

WITHDRAWAL DATE: 11/19/2008

BOX: 00009

FOLDER: 0038

TAB: 3

DOC ID: 31206264

COPIES: 1 PAGES: RESTRICTED|_| The item identified below has been withdrawn from this file: FOLDER TITLE: Jetlease USA Charter-Lexington 9/16/01 DOCUMENT DATE:

DOCUMENT TYPE: Memorandum

FROM: TO: SUBJECT:

"Documents relating to all flight manifests for the following aricraft that departed the | US in 9/2001 with Saudi nationals: Responsive to Requests #30-1 a thru f [Packet #l]"-re Lexington Airport

This document has been withdrawn for the following reason(s): 9/11 Classified Information

WITHDRAWAL NOTICE

yf^tfrf^t. I y I is\

ENTS RELATING to

&NIFESTS FOR THE CRAFT THAT STATES IN

ffimOl WITH SA UDI

WHICH ' " '

. KENTUCKY -^

SEPTEMBER 16. 200

VESTS #30-1 b [{PACKET #1]

-f"

COMMISSION COPY

9/11 Law Enforcement Privacy

265 D\Y- 2 8 03 5,0 - LS. JCM: j cm ""--,.. ""•"-.,.. Lead Control Number LS1-9.7

1 The following investigation: -was conducted by Supervisory Senior Resident Agent ..(SSRA) I 1 and Special Agent (SA) | |' concerning the departure of a Saudi Arabian group in Lexington, -Kentucky, for the Keeneland horse auction. ""-•-. ^^____^ Beginning on September 14, 2001, SSRA'I I SA I ~| and the Lexington Resident Agency became aware that a group of Saudi Arabian nationals had come to Lexington, Kentucky, for purposes of attending the Keeneland horse auctions. In light of the September 1, 2001 terrorist events, this group desperately wanted to depart the United- States for Saudi Arabia. After repeated unsuccessful attempts to obtain authorization for the usual Saudi Arabian government airplane (Gulfstream 4) to enter the United States, the group made arrangements for a chartered luxury Boeing 727 from Florida to fly to Lexington, Kentucky. After several delays this plane arrived in Lexington, Kentucky, at 4:30 p.m. on September 16, 2001. The Saudi Arabian gro-up was headed by H.R.H. Prince Ahmed Bin Dalman Bin Abdulaziz. It also included his son, H.R.H. Prince Sultan Bin Fahad Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz, who had arrived from Florida with three companions on the evening of September 13, 2001. The following list was provided by group coordinator Amad O.H. Al-Biebi of those which would be departing on the chartered flight: H.R.H. Prince Ahmed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Ahmad O.H. Al-Biebi Hashim Abdelmagid Bashir Ali Ben Mohamed Aouni Jesus Calda Jack Rusbridge Salah Al-Hammadi Ehab Abuagla Salim Mohamed Ahmed A. M. Al-Hazmi Talal M.M. Al-Mejrad Anthony John Stafford (he departed earlier) Mohamed Osman Ahmed El-Marazki

REQ. 30-lb

000000001

il Law Enforcement Privacy

Aboulsalam A. M. Al-Haddad .Fahad A.A. Al Zeid H:R.. H. Sultan Bin Fahad Bin Salman Abdulaziz

2 6'5.D-NY\8'Q 3,50 -L5, 2 \ '"---...

'"•---... '""•---.....

Phptoeppies of,all passports were'-obtained. When the plane arrived, the crew was checked and it'was inspected .by SSRA'1 I SA | | and U.S. Customs officer"! I I I for any undeclared passengers, prior to anyone boarding. During'boarding, each passenger was identified by passport by officer'] ~|/ with SA I I observing. Only the fourteen individuals noted above (not including Stafford who had taken an earlier flight) boarded the chartered 727. The plane was scheduled to fly to Goose Bay, Labrador for refueling prior to continuing on to London, England, and then to Saudi Arabia. The chartered plane was obtained from Jetlease USA, 3700 Airport Road, Suite 204, Boca Raton, Florida 33431, telephone number 561-362-8282. Lexington Police officers hired as private security for the Saudi group advised four young men had flown up from Florida to be transported with Prince Abdulaziz to Saudi Arabia. One of the four was the Prince's son, Sultan Bin Fahad Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz. Accompanying him were three young men including Fahad A.A. Al-Zied, Talal M.M. Al-Mejrad, and Ahmed A. M. Al-Hazmi. The Prince's son has a diplomatic passport. His passport 1-94 indicated he had entered the U.S. on August 25, 2001. Lexington Police Detective Chris White advised the Prince and one of his companions were attending the American Language Academy, University of Tampa. The other two were either staff or companions of the Prince. Al-Zeid and Al-Mejrad (age 18) entered the U.S. on August 27, 2001. When questioned, group coordinator Al-Biebi advised Al-Hazmi's full name is Ahmad Abdulrahman Mohamed Al-Hazmi. His name is similar, but not identical to Security Directive List #s 016 and 017. Al-Hazmi entered the U.S. on July 25, 2001. In addition, his passport indicated he had entered the U.S. on January 23, 2001, at New York. Attached are photocopies of all passports of this traveling Saudi group.

REQ. 30-lb

000000002