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The Federal Bureau of Investigation has entered the realm of social networks with the launch of a new publicity campaign to help them catch one of the long-standing residents on the 'Ten Most Wanted Fugitives' list.

For the past 16 years, the FBI has been on the hunt for James 'Whitey' Bulger, a notorious gang member charged with 19 murders.

The FBI is focussing its attention on Bulger's long-term girlfriend Catherine Elizabeth Greig, who has harboured him in the past.

By describing Greig's features and habits via social media platforms, the FBI is hoping to locate her with the help of the public. This is a new step for the FBI known for its traditional methods.

The FBI has a Twitter account (@FBIPressOffice) and posts regular news and information updates. The tweet that announced the campaign said: 'Boston FBI Agents launch new effort to track down James 'Whitey' Bulger. Looking for his girlfriend, Catherine E.Greig. go.usa.gov/Wda.'

The FBI have spared no detail, and in a news release said: 'Greig is likely to have well-kept teeth because she previously worked as a dental hygienist.'

Virtual billboards and kiosks are being trialled in 3-D virtual world, Second Life, which will also show users pictures of the ten most wanted criminals. Links to jobs in the force and to the FBI's online crime complaint centre will also be included.

This is not the FBI's first foray into social media. It has a Facebook account, with more than 119,000 fans, and a YouTube channel.

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