A former FBI counterintelligence analyst alleges the bureau falsely accused him of leaking information about Representative Eric Swalwell (D., Calif.) to a reporter who broke the news about Swalwell’s alleged ties to a suspected Chinese spy.
The counterintelligence analyst worked at the FBI for 13 years and specialized in China. He collaborated with China experts in the D.C. area, which put him in contact with the Axios reporter behind the story of how a suspected Chinese intelligence operative known as Christine Fang fundraised for Swalwell and interacted with him at multiple events across several years.
“Although [redacted] did not provide any sensitive FBI information, let alone any Swalwell case information, to the reporter, his security clearance was suspended, resulting in his immediate, indefinite suspension without pay. At the time he was suspended, [redacted] was one of the few CD employees who had not attested to taking the COVID-19 vaccine,” whistleblower advocacy group Empower Oversight wrote in a letter to FBI general counsel Samuel Ramer.
The unnamed FBI analyst holds conservative political beliefs and challenged supervisors on multiple occasions about what he believed to be abuses in the FBI’s handling of politically sensitive investigations.
Eventually, the analyst took another job because of financial struggles and the uncertainty of when his suspension would be resolved. His security clearance remains suspended and the situation has not been adjudicated. He is hoping to have his security clearance restored and to disclose information related to disgraced former FBI agent Peter Strzok, known for his anti-Trump political views and involvement in the FBI’s investigation of false claims that Trump colluded with Russia during the 2016 election.
The former China analyst is one of ten whistleblowers included in a letter Empower Oversight wrote to the FBI sent last month. All of Empower Oversight’s clients have been subject to alleged retaliation for protected whistleblower disclosures or their political views, the group alleges.
“The actions taken against our clients were in reprisal for protected whistleblowing and/or improper targeting because of their political beliefs. The common theme among most of our clients who had their security clearances suspended and/or revoked is the FBI’s ability to infinitely delay the process and financially pressure FBI employees by suspending their pay and blocking their ability to earn a living any other way,” Empower Oversight said.
The letter features brief bios of their clients, some of whom have gone public and others chose to remain anonymous. The former China analyst’s name is not disclosed. Other clients listed in the letter include prominent conservative FBI whistleblowers Steve Friend, Garret O’Boyle, and Marcus Allen.
The FBI declined to comment.
Swalwell cut ties with Fang once the FBI notified him of her suspicious activities and was not accused of wrongdoing, Axios reported. The House Ethics Committee also investigated the matter and took no action against Swalwell after a two-year long probe.
House Republicans removed Swalwell from the Intelligence Committee in January 2023 because of his association with Fang. Swalwell is routinely mocked for the Fang scandal and has been subject to unsubstantiated claims that he and Fang had a romantic relationship.