FBI Just Needs A Little More Time To Pay The Phone Bill, Okay?

Oct. 27 2008, Published 7:07 a.m. ET

"Telephone companies have cut off FBI wiretaps used to eavesdrop on suspected criminals because of the bureau's repeated failures to pay phone bills on time.... In at least one case, a wiretap used in a Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act investigation 'was halted due to untimely payment...' the audit found. FISA wiretaps are used in the government's most sensitive and secretive criminal and intelligence investigations, and allow eavesdropping on suspected terrorists or spies." The Justice Department noted that the FBI was late in paying nearly 500 of its phone bills in surveillance cases, and one intrepid field agent took advantage of lax oversight to help herself to $25,000. AP

Never Miss an

Daily updates from the heart of Hollywood, right to your inbox

By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you’re agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

EXCLUSIVE: 'Moody' Ralph Fiennes 'Set to be Tamed by Ex' As She's the 'Only One Who Can Calm Him Down When He Gets Down in Dumps'

EXCLUSIVE: Kanye West Begging Kim Kardashian to Make a Deal Over Kids as He's Bleeding Money and Can't Afford Legal War With Reality Star

Article continues below advertisement