Which agency has authority over explosive theft investigations?

• A. FBI
• B. DHS
• C. ATF
• D. EPA

Answer: (C)

Explosive theft investigations fall under the enforcement of federal explosives laws, and the agency tasked with that responsibility is the one that regulates and enforces those laws: the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. This agency specifically handles licensing, storage, handling, and enforcement of explosives, so when explosives are stolen, ATF leads the investigation and coordinates with local law enforcement as needed.

The FBI handles a wide range of federal crimes and national security issues, DHS focuses on homeland security and critical infrastructure, and the EPA deals with environmental regulations. However, for issues directly involving explosive materials and their unlawful theft, ATF is the primary authority.