Leading Trade Firms Partner to Identify International Risks

Washington, DC – March 8, 2004 – Sandler & Travis Trade Advisory Services, Inc. (STTAS) and Data Mining International, Inc. (DMI) have entered into a strategic partnership to help governments and other relevant customs, excise, and transportation-related entities detect international trade risks. The partnership unites a seasoned team of customs and information technology experts with proven business procedures and proprietary technology to collaborate on developing risk-management software. STTAS is a global provider of customs compliance, tariff and trade consulting services. DMI is a privately held software company which designs data mining software applications for trade security, risk management and logistics.

By combining their respective expertise in designing cutting-edge tools, STTAS and DMI will offer products and services providing solutions to risks associated with the cross-border transport of goods, including valuation, money laundering, smuggling, and terrorist-related activities. These solutions will help better secure borders, enhance revenue collection, and manage national security risks.

“Customs and excise agencies play an integral role in governments’ efforts to gather and analyze intelligence on illicit transactions and potential terrorist activities,” said Robert Schaffer, President of STTAS. “The partnership between DMI and STTAS demonstrates both companies’ commitment to devising innovative solutions that meet the financial and security needs and challenges facing these agencies.”

“DMI is excited about leveraging our technologies—which have successfully targeted billions of dollars in trade fraud and money laundering worldwide—through STTAS’ broad international reach and knowledge of customs services,” said Marc Epstein, DMI’s CEO.

STTAS, an affiliate of Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A. (ST&R), provides a wide array of services to companies and governments, particularly related to customs modernization and border security. The firm assists international organizations in the assessment and strengthening of customs administrations worldwide. The STTAS/ST&R team consists of over 250 customs, legal, and trade professionals including former Commissioner, Deputy Commissioners and Assistant Commissioners of U.S. Customs.

DMI develops tools and technologies to identify patterns of illicit activity in global trade. DMI has worked with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and predecessor agencies, for over nine years in developing LEADMiner technology. LEADMiner software has been used in partnership with the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and over 20 countries in protecting national borders against financial and security risks.

For more information, contact William Riley STTAS at: (202) 216-9307 or wriley@strtrade.com or Marc Epstein DMI, at 408-656-7691 or Marc.Epstein@DataMiningInternational.com .