Published : 24 Sep 2026, 08:36 PM
Updated : 24 Sep 2026, 08:36 PM
The alleged FBI data breach has exposed detailed information about scores of bureau officials, including assignments involving Chinese spies, Russian intelligence, drug cartels and other sensitive operations.
The 5,000-line spreadsheet includes names, addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, social security numbers and emergency contacts for what the hackers said were thousands of FBI employees. It also lists assignments to field offices and, in some cases, sensitive intelligence, security or counterespionage units.
The FBI said it was aware of a cyber-criminal group claiming to have compromised the portal and obtained employees' personal information. The bureau said the cause of the breach remained undetermined and that it was investigating.
ShinyHunters said on Tuesday it had breached the FBI and stolen data on current and former employees. The group said it would hold the information hostage unless the bureau withdrew an unflattering statement about it issued in May.
Former FBI counterintelligence operative Eric O’Neill called the allegedly stolen data “a foreign intelligence service goldmine”, warning that hostile intelligence services could be interested in identifying FBI personnel working against them.
Reuters has not authenticated the entire spreadsheet but individually verified details of more than 22 people by cross-referencing the data with credit records and previous data leaks.
Counterterrorism, Counterintelligence And Surveillance
Some assignment details appeared similar to information employees could disclose publicly, while others referred to sensitive FBI units or initiatives.
The data names 14 staffers focused on China-related matters, including units dealing with Chinese criminal enterprises, technology transfers and intelligence. Nine others are listed in Russia-related roles, while three are linked to Iran- or Hezbollah-focused intelligence work.
Another 18 staffers are listed in data or telecommunications interception, clandestine technical operations, covert access or video, audio and electronic surveillance roles.
Eleven FBI employees are listed in human intelligence, or HUMINT, positions, including several working in programme management.
Trevor Hilligoss, a former Army investigator who worked with the FBI, said the information linking named employees to human intelligence roles was particularly concerning because exposed undercover personnel could face risks.
Reuters could not verify whether all the assignments were authentic or current, but matched career details or titles for eight people with court filings, news reports and public profiles.
Other Targets
ShinyHunters has previously claimed responsibility for stealing millions of business records from video game developer Rockstar Games and for an intrusion involving education platform Canvas that disrupted schools across the US.
The FBI said in May that ShinyHunters sometimes made exaggerated claims about access to sensitive or personal information to pressure victims into paying.
ShinyHunters has said its claims are genuine and that the FBI's statement prompted its attack.
Reuters has not verified what else the hackers possess. The group previously told Reuters it had obtained files related to employee vetting, background investigations and sensitive medical data, but said it would not release further information.
O’Neill cautioned against drawing conclusions about the hackers' wider holdings, saying they were trying to frighten the FBI.
