175. As noted above, HANSSEN has a high degree of computer technology expertise. In addition, there is probable cause to believe that HANSSEN is using computers as an instrumentality of his espionage activities. This is evidenced by the letters to and from the KGB/SVR found on the computer memory card in his briefcase, and by the reference “ELLIS” on his Palm III device, as well as HANSSEN’s extensive accessing of the FBI’s ACS system for information relevant to his espionage activities. HANSSEN has at least one computer and a server in his residence at 9414 Talisman Drive, Vienna, Virginia, and a portable laptop computer. Because of the likelihood that HANSSEN will have extraordinary amounts of information and files in his computers (including laptops) and any computer storage devices and that such information may be encrypted, it will be neither practical nor reasonable to require the searching agents to examine the defendant’s computers onsite at his residence. Given HANSSEN’s computer expertise and concern about detection, there is considerable risk that HANSSEN has set up self-destruct programs for his computers that could erase vital evidence and files if his system or systems were examined by anyone other than experts. Accordingly, the FBI intends to seize those components of HANSSEN’s computer hardware and related equipment as the FBI determines must be seized in order to be examined in an
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