The Federal Bureau of Investigation is meticulously examining a plethora of significant investigations that span over two decades, with many officials voicing alarm about actions taken by a former spy.

This action follows the conviction of Charles McGonigal, former chief of counterintelligence in New York, for his corrupt activities involving a Russian oligarch, a close associate of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

McGonigal, 55, recently sentenced to 50 months in prison, is implicated in potentially compromising sensitive investigations as a result of his high-ranking position within the FBI, as the Daily Mail reported.

McGonigal's Career and Misconduct

Beginning his career with the FBI in 1996, McGonigal was involved in important investigations.

Those included the TWA Flight 800 disaster and the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

His career trajectory peaked in 2016 when he was appointed to lead the New York office's counterintelligence division by then FBI Director James Comey.

However, his tenure was marred by severe misconduct, including accepting payments for aiding Oleg Deripaska, a Russian oligarch under sanctions due to Russia's actions in Crimea.

This betrayal was exacerbated by the fact that McGonigal was also responsible for investigating Deripaska.

Depth of Corruption and Internal Investigations

The U.S. government's memorandum for another case in Washington D.C., in which McGonigal is set to be sentenced on Feb. 16, highlights the gravity of his deceit.

The memorandum states that the FBI has been forced to conduct substantial reviews of numerous investigations to ensure they were not compromised.

The depth of his corruption is also evident in a separate charge, where McGonigal concealed receiving $225,000 from an Albanian intelligence official, intended to arrange meetings with high-level U.S. representatives, including then-U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley.

According to prosecuting attorneys, the Albanian ex-intelligence agent, now a naturalized citizen residing in New Jersey, claimed that McGonigal expressed his need for funds.

He attributed this requirement to the financial strains he was facing, which were linked to his impending retirement and the expenses related to his children in college.

Personal Life and Downfall

While McGonigal's professional life was soaring, his personal life painted a picture of a troubled individual.

He was known for a lavish lifestyle, supported by a substantial salary both during and after his time at the FBI.

His need for money, partly due to financial pressures and family responsibilities, reportedly drove him to corrupt practices.

This contrast is further highlighted by the revelation of his affair with Allison Guerriero, which may have played a role in sparking the investigation leading to his downfall.