Six officers of the Bureau of National Intelligence (BNI) have been dismissed and another demoted after an investigation into alleged misconduct involving suspects held in the agency’s custody.
The disciplinary action followed claims that officers helped detainees obtain mobile phones and other unauthorised services in return for money, according to a report by 3News on October 22, 2026.
The case emerged after a security breach on February 16, 2026. An officer carrying out routine checks at one of the BNI’s detention facilities reportedly found a suspect using a mobile phone.
The incident prompted an internal investigation into how prohibited items had been brought into the facilities and whether staff had helped detainees gain access to them.
Searches were subsequently conducted at two holding facilities. Investigators reportedly found at least six mobile phones, phone accessories and a screwdriver, which was regarded as a potentially dangerous weapon.
Further inquiries then pointed to possible links between some BNI officers and suspects in custody. Investigators reportedly found a telephone number written on the back of a playing card used by detainees for recreational activities.
The number was traced to a BNI officer, raising concerns that personnel within the agency might have been working with suspects. That discovery led to a broader investigation into possible cooperation between officers and detainees.
Investigators allegedly uncovered a network of compromised personnel who arranged for mobile phones and other prohibited services to be supplied to suspects in exchange for financial payments.
The inquiry also found that some detainees had been receiving food from restaurants through arrangements involving their relatives and certain BNI officers. Those deliveries had not been authorised under the agency’s approved procedures.
According to the report, the food deliveries were also used to smuggle mobile phones and accessories into the detention facilities. The devices enabled suspects to communicate with people outside custody.
Eight BNI officers were placed under internal investigation and subjected to disciplinary proceedings following the revelations.
When the process was completed, six officers were dismissed from the service. One officer was demoted, while another was cleared of any wrongdoing.
Sources cited by 3News said the BNI had since introduced stronger internal security measures in an effort to prevent similar incidents.
The reported measures include polygraph examinations for personnel, closer supervision and additional disciplinary controls. The agency is also seeking to strengthen accountability and ensure that established regulations are followed.
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