FBI Case Study "Operation Ripped Bluegene"

Exploring the in-depth undercover operation that targeted an individual responsible for the theft of high-valued computer source code from a major U.S. Corporation.  The case examines the insider threat posed by one of the company’s trusted employees during and after departure from the company.  It follows the allegation of the crime to the federal criminal charges filed on the subject, as well as successes and shortcomings with the investigation.  The case further highlights the FBI's abilities to bring restitution for the victim company, while understanding and navigating the sensitivities facing the corporate world and potential monetary losses due to any bad publicity.


Special Agent Joseph Altimari began his government service as a United State Army Officer.  He entered on duty as an FBI Agent in October 2004 and was assigned to the New Haven Field Office, Meriden Resident Agency following completion of the FBI Academy.  He was assigned to investigate white-collar crime but was quickly tasked to investigate violent criminal matters.  These investigations primarily focused on armed Bank Robberies, Hobbs Act Robberies, fugitives, extortions, kidnappings and other firearms-related offenses.

In September of 2008, SA Altimari was transferred to the New York Field Office and ultimately to the White Plains Resident Agency, where he once again investigated violent crime, violent gang, and narcotics.  In 2013, SA Altimari was assigned to the Counterintelligence Division, where he successfully led the "Operation Ripped Bluegene" investigation targeting a significant theft of corporate trade secrets and resulted in Federal Economic Espionage Charges. 

In October 2019, SA Altimari received a transfer back to the New Haven Field Office and in May of 2020, he was named the Supervisory Special Agent of the violent crime, violent gang, human trafficking and crimes against children squad. Throughout his time as a supervisor, he oversaw numerous investigations and operations targeting subjects responsible for violent acts against the public and America’s most vulnerable population, its children.  From May 2024 until December 2024, he served as the Acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Criminal Branch, overseeing all criminal investigative programs.

In December of 2025, due to his vast experience and ability to liaison with external partners, SA Altimari was asked by the New Haven Special Agent in Charge to fill the role of the New Haven Field Office's Private Sector Coordinator.

A few notable high-profile investigations and apprehensions led by SA Altimari include the manhunts for murder suspects Peter Manfredonia and Christopher Francisquini, as well as investigative leads pertaining to the Brown University Shooter.

SA Altimari is the recipient of several awards from the US Attorney's Office, the Federal Law Enforcement Foundation and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. He is a certified FBI Defensive Tactics Instructor, teaching Agents arrest techniques used to mitigate the risk to subjects, as well as Agents.  SA Altimari continues to dedicate his life to prioritizing the safety of the Citizens of Connecticut and the United States of America.