This post, written by GottaLaff, originally appeared on Cliff Schecter's Brave New Films Blog

Blackwater just gets sleazier and sleazier. It's a good thing they're representing us in Iraq. They really help our image:
Federal agents are investigating allegations that the Blackwater USA security firm illegally exported dozens of firearms sound suppressors -- commonly known as silencers -- to Iraq and other countries for use by company operatives, sources close to the investigation tell NBC News.
They apparently didn't get necessary export approval.
The sources said the investigation is part of a broader examination of potential firearms and export violations.
Now. Guess who's in charge of regulating exports of arms?
Coincidentally, the company's main responsibility in Iraq is protecting officials of the State Department, the agency that regulates exports of arms. The firm had more than $500 million in federal contracts in 2006.
So there we have it.

Blackwater sent the silencers overseas with its employees without getting the necessary export approval.

The penalty is up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $1 million per count.

But why would Blackwater need silencers? To win hearts and minds? Sure, that must be it.