183 referrals for disclosing classified information: 14 suspected leakers identified

FBI uncovered 14 suspected leakers in 5 years

WASHINGTON — The FBI says U.S. intelligence agencies have made 183 complaints about unauthorized disclosure of classified information in the past five years.

But that has resulted in the identification of few leakers.

According to data the FBI assembled for Congress, the bureau has identified just 14 suspected leakers in that time, none of whom has been prosecuted.

The bureau says there are a number of problems in tracking down leakers. Classified information often can be properly disseminated to a large number of people in government, making identification of the leaker very unlikely. Also, Justice Department policy requires that leak investigations focus on potential leakers rather than reporters, who are the recipients of leaks.