leak investigation
Hunting the source
A leak investigation is an official inquiry to identify who disclosed confidential information without authorization.
Government agencies conduct leak investigations when classified material reaches journalists or the public: The Justice Department launched a leak investigation after the memo appeared in the press.
The term appears frequently in political contexts, where unauthorized disclosures may expose wrongdoing or embarrass officials.
- whistleblowerInsider who reports misconduct
- classifiedRestricted from disclosure
- classified informationSensitive, access-restricted material
- sourcePoint of origin
- anonymous sourceUnidentified person providing information
confidential · informant · FBI · special counsel · subpoena · journalist · documents · plumber · mole · tipster · prosecution · grand jury · surveillance · gag order · wiretap · espionage · Pentagon Papers · Watergate
leak investigationwhistleblower protection
Laws shielding those who report misconduct
leak investigationsunshine law
Statute requiring government transparency
freedom of information · right to know · government accountability
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