A cybercriminal group called ShinyHunters claims to have breached FBI systems and stolen personal information belonging to much of the agency’s workforce. Current and former agents told the BBC they fear the data could endanger undercover officers and their families, enabling targeted harassment, scams, extortion, recruitment by hostile states or even physical attacks.

Samples reportedly include agents’ names, addresses, phone numbers, badge numbers, job titles, spouses’ details and sensitive medical records, including test results and doctors’ notes. The group has threatened to publish the databases unless its demands are met, while experts warn that some information may already be circulating online and could remain available for years; the FBI says it is investigating the breach.