FBI investigates apparent theft of its personnel data by hackers

Image source, Anadolu via Getty Images By Joe Tidy Published 23 September 2026 The FBI says it is investigating a reported breach of its system after a cybercrime group claimed to have stolen sensitive information on thousands of bureau personnel.

The hackers, Shiny Hunters, say they now hold private data on all the bureau staff - around 38,000 people - including anyone who applied to join the investigative agency.

The group says it has every agent's name, role, badge number and personal details including home address, phone numbers and spouse information.

In a statement posted on X, the FBI said it was aware of the claim and the agency was "actively and aggressively investigating the matter".

The criminals claim to have breached the FBI's servers on Monday night and began contacting reporters on Tuesday sharing samples and screenshots of the stolen data.