Sniffex

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Sniffex and Sniffex Plus are fraudulent[1][2] explosive detection systems produced by Homeland Safety International.

Performance

An article in

divining rod" and states that "In a test by the U.S. Navy, Sniffex didn't register when two trucks passed within 20 feet, hauling a half ton of explosives."[3] The Navy's counterterrorism technology task force tested Sniffex and concluded "The Sniffex handheld explosives detector does not work."[3] Despite this, the US military bought eight for $50,000.[3]

Although high performance is claimed in advertising for Sniffex, such claims have not been verified by objective

double blind testing.[4] During tests conducted at a public meeting by the president of the company,[5] Sniffex did not detect test explosives when the user did not know in advance where they were located. Additionally, James Randi publicly called into question the validity of Sniffex and exchanged correspondence with the CEO offering one million dollars if Sniffex can do what the press releases claim.[6]

The Sniffex device should not be confused with SniffEx, a prize-winning chemical vapor sensor developed at

Oak Ridge National Laboratories (ORNL).[7] That sensor was originally called "Sniffex" until Homeland Safety International enforced its trademark and asked ORNL to stop using the name.[4]

SEC lawsuits

In July 2008, the

wire fraud.[10]

The HEDD1,[11] reportedly a "Sniffex with a battery stuck on it",[12] is marketed by the same company that markets Sniffex in Europe.[13]

See also

References

  1. ^ Michael Grabell (July 17, 2008). "Bomb Sniffing Scam Exposed". Wired. Retrieved March 14, 2012.
  2. ^ Banks, Gordon (2005), Test Report: The Detection Capability of the Sniffex Handheld Explosives Detector, US Navy Sea Systems Command: Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology Division, The SNIFFEX handheld explosives detector does not work. The vendor failed to make good on any guarantee of the device's performance and provided no possible reason as to why the SNIFFEX was unable to perform as marketed. Also available here.
  3. ^
    Dallas Morning News
    , Monday, April 16, 2007
  4. ^ a b Sniffex fails a double blind test at a public demonstration (includes video clips)
  5. ^ Seventh Annual Tourism Safety & Security Conference, Anaheim, CA, April 2006
  6. ^ James Randi (February 23, 2007). "Sniffex Report". James Randi Educational Foundation. Retrieved August 9, 2008.
  7. ^ ORNL inventions win three 'Research and Development 100s
  8. ^
    Dallas Morning News
    . Retrieved August 9, 2008.
  9. ^ a b c d "SEC: Bomb Detector—Bought by Military—Was Front for Scam". ProPublica. July 17, 2008. Retrieved August 9, 2008.
  10. ^ "Coppell man pleads guilty in wire fraud". TradingMarkets.com. July 24, 2008. Retrieved August 9, 2008.
  11. ^ "HEDD®1 - Handheld Explosive Detection Device". Unival Group. Also: "Hazard Detection Group Explosives Detection Device HEDD1". Retrieved January 21, 2010.
  12. ^ "What Is Newer Than ADE 651 GT200 And H3 Tec? Is it HEDD1?". Sniffexquestions Blog. January 14, 2010.
  13. ^ "Sniffex Europe". Unival Group. Retrieved December 12, 2011.

External links


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