FBI CB 12.13.24

Dear FOIA Officer:

You are receiving this correspondence as a request under the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. subsection 552. I am requesting the following:

Copies of all Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) records, documents, and communications responsive to CONBRIBE (58-5205).

At least two prior requests have been made for these records: on July 11, 2011, the FBI opened FOIPA request number 1169380-000, for "CONBRIBE (1963 & PRIOR)", and on August 22, 2020, it opened FOIPA request number 1292493-000, for "CONBRIBE - Nationalities Intelligence". The CONBRIBE records deal with Congressional bribery investigations handled by the FBI. CONBRIBE was assigned a Bureau file number of 58-5205.

I am asking you waive any fees associated with this request. I am a member of the news media. My bylines, which include Unicorn Riot, Covert Action Magazine, and the Geopolitical Economy Report, can be found in both print and electronic publications, and I am sending this request in coordination with Muckrock, an award-winning and nationally-recognized news organization. Please take note of the Office of Management and Budget guidelines published March 27, 1987 (52 FR 10012) that include electronic publications and other nontraditional publishers as representatives of the news media.

A fee waiver is appropriate in situations where "disclosure of the requested information is in the public interest because it is likely to contribute significantly to public understanding of the operations and activities of the government, and is not primarily in the commercial interest of the requester,” 5 U.S.C. § 552(a)(4)(iii). In addition to the prior FOIPA requests, which demonstrate a continuing public interest in the subject, the CONBRIBE records involve investigations into public corruption targeting members of Congress by foreign agents. These investigations, and their outcomes, would contribute greatly to public understanding of how, historically, the FBI has handled investigations into public officials, especially with regard to the involvement of foreign nations and their agents, along with providing insight into attempts by foreign nationals to influence American officials. There should be no concerns for public privacy or ongoing investigations, as most, if not all of the subjects are now deceased; CONBRIBE investigations occurred during the 1950s and 1960s.

This request is not being made for commercial purposes.

All documents will be provided to the general public without charge.

In the event that there are fees, I am willing to pay up to $100. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.

I look forward to your response within 20 working days, as the statute requires. If access to the records I am requesting will take longer, please contact me with information about when I might expect copies or the ability to inspect the requested records.

If you deny any or all of this request, please cite each specific exemption you feel justifies the refusal to release the information and notify me of the appeal procedures available to me under the law.

Sincerely,

Robert Skvarla, Jr.