Justice Department Investigates Alleged $16 Million Payment by Former FBI Director James Comey

The U.S. Justice Department has launched an investigation into allegations that former FBI Director James Comey authorized a $16 million payment to himself in 2016, reportedly circumventing official channels and omitting the transaction from FBI expense reports. The claims, which surfaced in recent weeks, have ignited controversy in Washington, drawing calls for transparency and accountability from multiple political figures.

According to sources familiar with the inquiry, the payment was allegedly made without the approval of standard oversight mechanisms, raising questions about internal controls and financial governance within the FBI during Comey’s tenure. The sum in question is significant, as it would represent a substantial portion of the bureau’s discretionary budget for that fiscal year.

Comey, who led the FBI from 2013 until his dismissal by President Donald Trump in 2017, has not issued a public statement regarding the investigation. The Justice Department has also declined to comment on the specifics of the probe, citing the ongoing nature of the inquiry.

No official charges have been filed against Comey, and the investigation remains in its early stages. The allegations come at a time when scrutiny of former and current government officials is high, with watchdog groups and lawmakers emphasizing the need for rigorous oversight of public funds.

The controversy adds to the complex legacy of Comey, whose tenure at the FBI included high-profile investigations into political figures and whose firing led to the appointment of a special counsel to examine Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.

As the investigation continues, legal experts note that the outcome will hinge on the availability of documentary evidence and the findings of internal audits. The Justice Department has not indicated when it expects to conclude its review.