Why the FBI's Troubling History With Informants Is Getting New Attention.

The article focuses on the complexities and risks associated with the FBI's use of Confidential Human Sources (CHSs), illustrated through the case of Billy Reilly, who disappeared in Russia in 2015 while working for the Bureau. Reilly, who had been recruited as a CHS due to his language skills and interests, became involved in dangerous operations without adequate training or support from the FBI. The article highlights the FBI's historical reliance on informants, the potential for misuse and entrapment, and the lack of accountability and transparency in the agency's handling of CHSs, particularly in light of Reilly's mysterious disappearance and the subsequent lack of response from the Department of Justice to inquiries from his family and elected officials. The case raises broader concerns about public trust in federal law enforcement and the ethical implications of using civilians in intelligence operations. [Extracted from the article]