Jump to contentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleGraig GraziosiTuesday 01 September 2026 18:40 BSTFormer FBI agent slams Director Kash Patel's decision to make it easier for agents who've paid for prostitutes to join bureauFBI Director Kash Patel updated hiring guidelines so that applicants who paid for sex up to three times in the past decade are no longer automatically disqualified.The modified rules also refrain from automatically ruling out candidates who engaged in bestiality prior to turning 18.The FBI pushed back against criticism, stating it is false to suggest criminal behavior is no longer disqualifying and emphasizing its rigorous background checks.Former FBI agents strongly criticized the changes, noting that accepting applicants who purchased sex undermines the bureau's work against sex trafficking.Retired officials suggested the policy shift may stem from a shallow applicant pool after the departure of more than 1,000 agents in 2025.In fullFBI eases hiring standards and won’t rule out applicants over prostitution or bestialityMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in