In 2002, a US congressional investigation concerning IRIS was started because of reports of illegal activity. The investigation however failed to gather enough evidence to prove foul play. One aspect in particular of the investigation stood out in international media; three separate investigators sent by the congressional committee to IRIS' base of operations returned only to say they could not remember what they have been doing in the time they were gone. Afterwards, two separate expeditions were sent only to have all the members of the expedition found in the Caribbean, enjoying vacation with their families.