The United States Department of Justice has charged two former senior Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) officials with allegedly lying to Congress about their knowledge of investigations involving Hunter Biden’s laptop ahead of the 2020 US presidential election.
The officials, identified as Nikki Floris, 46, and Bradley Benavides, 56, surrendered to authorities on Friday, October 23, 2026, following the issuance of arrest warrants, according to the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
Prosecutors allege that the two former officials misled the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee during interviews in 2023 about the role of the FBI’s Foreign Influence Task Force (FITF) in investigations involving Hunter Biden, son of former US President Joe Biden.
Floris served as a Deputy Assistant Director of the task force from 2019 to 2022, while Benavides was a section chief from 2019 through the 2020 election period. The task force was established to counter foreign interference in US elections and was later disbanded.
According to prosecutors, documentary evidence, communications and witness accounts contradict statements the pair made to Congress. Floris allegedly said she had not participated in discussions about Hunter Biden while serving with the task force, while Benavides testified that he only learned the FBI had Hunter Biden’s laptop through a Wikipedia article in 2023.
US Attorney Jeanine Pirro said the charges underscored the importance of accountability for public officials. FBI Director Kash Patel also described the case as part of efforts to address alleged abuses within the agency.
However, lawyers for the accused officials have challenged the charges. Floris’ lawyers described the case as politically motivated and disputed the allegations, while Benavides’ lawyer also criticised the prosecution.
The case centres on allegations that the former officials made false statements in a matter under the jurisdiction of the US legislative branch. The charges remain allegations, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
