A recent FBI scandal has surfaced involving a supervisory special agent who was dismissed after being found guilty of soliciting prostitutes while on assignment, both domestically and internationally. According to an internal watchdog report, the agent used an FBI-issued phone to pay for these encounters, placing himself at risk of extortion. His actions violated multiple policies set by the FBI and the Department of Justice, and though a criminal prosecution was not pursued, no explanation was provided.

The report highlights deeper issues within the Bureau, pointing to a longstanding pattern of misconduct. The agent, who held authority over others, also failed to report relationships with foreign nationals and repeated use of prostitutes, worsening the breach of protocol. This misconduct fits into a troubling trend, as prior reports have documented FBI agents engaging in similar behavior abroad, including in Southeast Asia.

The Office of the Inspector General previously outlined a broader scope of violations involving six agents, including the use of prostitutes and failure to report such conduct. One case involved an agent delivering white pills to a foreign official, further complicating the narrative. Despite this, the Justice Department initially withheld information about the probe, citing personnel privacy concerns.

This case reflects poorly on the FBI’s internal culture, which former Attorney General Eric Holder warned could lead to extortion and compromise national security. Misconduct within the agency, especially in foreign settings, undermines its credibility and mission, including the fight against human trafficking.

Leaders like Kash Patel and Attorney General Pam Bondi have vowed to prioritize transparency and address sex trafficking in a potential second Trump administration. They promise to release sensitive documents from past investigations, aiming to restore integrity to the Justice Department and the FBI.