Foreign hacker accessed FBI’s Epstein investigation files in 2023, documents reveal

Washington: Files related to the FBI’s investigation of the late Jeffrey Epstein were compromised in 2023 by a foreign hacker, according to a source familiar with the matter and recently released Justice Department documents reviewed by Reuters.

This incident, which involved unauthorized access to a server at the FBI’s New York Field Office, is being reported for the first time. The source indicated that the intrusion appeared to have been carried out by a cybercriminal rather than a foreign government, but noted the potential intelligence value of the files involved.

In an official statement, the FBI described the event as a “cyber incident” and emphasized that it was “an isolated one.” The bureau stated, “The FBI restricted access to the malicious actor and rectified the network. The investigation remains ongoing, so we do not have further comments to provide at this time.”

The breach highlights ongoing concerns about the security of sensitive law enforcement information, especially in high-profile cases such as that of Jeffrey Epstein, who was a convicted sex offender. The FBI has not provided further details on the extent of the data accessed or the identity of the hacker, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.

According to an academic cited in the report, the incident underscores the significant intelligence value that such files can hold. The legally mandated publication of U.S. government documents brought these details to light.

The FBI has stated that it has taken steps to secure its systems and prevent further unauthorized access. The investigation into the breach continues, with no additional information released at this time.