FBI misplaced over 200 computer systems and a heap of different tools final yr: Report

The FBI, recognized for monitoring criminals, has reportedly struggled to maintain tabs on its inside tools, shedding a whole lot of computer systems final yr.

Roughly 200 desktop computer systems, a plethora of physique armor items, some night-vision scopes, a number of telephones, and a lot of transportable computer systems have been misplaced by the FBI over a six-month interval final yr, in accordance with paperwork obtained by Vice.

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"The FBI takes the administration of its accountable property and property with the utmost seriousness," a spokesperson for the FBI advised the Washington Examiner. "Annually, the FBI conducts a listing of both a portion or all accountable property, and the FBI efficiently inventories over 99% of those property every year."

The 18-page spreadsheet spans from July 2021 by means of December 2021 and was acquired by means of a Freedom of Info Act request. The spreadsheet tallying the tools losses contains choices to specify "root causes" of how the gadgets have been misplaced, reminiscent of "gross negligence" and "insufficient safety," per the outlet.

"The July to December 2021 stock reporting interval was distinctive given the resumption of full stock administration practices after a pause in the course of the top of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and early 2021," the FBI spokesperson added.

All the misplaced tools had "root causes" marked as "unknown," the outlet reported. Moreover, all of the corrective measures listed within the spreadsheet for the misplaced gadgets have been marked as "unknown."

Because the main legal investigative group in america, the FBI handles a torrent of categorized and delicate paperwork associated to its efforts to thwart legal exercise. Dropping digital gadgets reminiscent of computer systems can pose cybersecurity issues if the gadgets weren't adequately secured.

Related information from the Division of Homeland Safety point out fewer losses. Roughly 25 "COMPUTER, DESKTOP" and 115 "LAPTOP COMPUTERS" have been misplaced, stolen, or broken between Oct. 1, 2021, and March 30, 2022, in accordance with information obtained by the outlet.

The Washington Examiner reached out to DHS for remark.