Rogue FBI Agent Threatens 'Vengeance' on Agency After Mosque Infiltration

Former informant Craig Monteilh claims the FBI broke promises and owes him $100,000 after his covert activities at an Orange County mosque.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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A former FBI agent named Craig Monteilh claims he infiltrated a Southern California mosque as an undercover informant between 2006-2007, recording thousands of hours of audio and video as part of 'Operation Flex.' Monteilh now says he was never an informant and is seeking 'vengeance' on the FBI, accusing the agency of breaking promises and shorting him $100,000 he claims it owed him. The case has spiraled into a legal battle that has reached the Supreme Court, with Monteilh recently admitting that much of his previous declaration about spying on the mosque was '50-60% lies.' The FBI and ACLU, which previously sued the agency on behalf of Muslim congregants, have denied Monteilh's claims.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex and controversial issue of government surveillance of religious institutions, as well as the potential for informants to make false claims or later retract their testimony. It raises questions about the FBI's relationship with informants, the agency's oversight and accountability, and the rights of religious communities to be free from unwarranted government monitoring.

The details

Monteilh claims he infiltrated the Islamic Center of Irvine in 2006-2007 using the pseudonym 'Farouk al-Aziz' and recorded thousands of hours of audio and video as part of 'Operation Flex.' He even alleged his spying helped lead to the death of Osama bin Laden in 2011. However, Monteilh has now admitted that much of his previous declaration about spying on the mosque was fabricated. The ACLU had sued the FBI on behalf of Muslim congregants after Monteilh went public with his claims, but the Supreme Court ruled in 2022 that the government can claim 'state secrets' to block such lawsuits. Now Monteilh is seeking to testify and denounce the FBI, claiming the agency broke promises and owes him money.

  • Between 2006 and 2007, Monteilh allegedly infiltrated the Islamic Center of Irvine.
  • In 2011, Monteilh claimed his spying helped lead to Osama bin Laden's death.
  • In 2010, Monteilh filed a lawsuit against the FBI that was later dismissed.
  • In 2022, the Supreme Court ruled that the government can claim 'state secrets' to block lawsuits over surveillance.
  • Last summer, Monteilh admitted his previous declaration about spying on the mosque was '50-60% lies.'

The players

Craig Monteilh

A 63-year-old former FBI informant who claims he infiltrated a Southern California mosque as part of 'Operation Flex' between 2006-2007, but has since retracted much of his previous testimony.

Amin al-Haq

The brother-in-law of Osama bin Laden's bodyguard, whom Monteilh claims he recorded, leading to al-Haq's arrest in 2008 and eventually bin Laden's death in 2011.

Stephen Tidwell

A top FBI official who spoke at the Islamic Center of Irvine in 2006 to reassure Muslims the agency would not send undercover agents to spy on their houses of worship.

Peter Bibring

An ACLU attorney who has 'emphatically' denied Monteilh's claims that the ACLU 'made up' information for a lawsuit against the FBI.

Ahilan Arulanantham

Another ACLU attorney who has 'emphatically' denied Monteilh's claims that the ACLU 'made up' information for a lawsuit against the FBI.

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What they’re saying

“The FBI has earned my vengeance. I'm not an informant. I'm not your snitch. I'm not the guy you got leverage on. I am a professional operative. I'm an independent contractor. If you f**k me like that, I'm going to turn around and do the same thing to you. In the end, whether it's a portion or the whole thing, that's my money. … If the FBI knows one thing, they'll never, ever forget my name.”

— Craig Monteilh, Former FBI Informant (Politico)

“Most of the information the ACLU… and I made up. I do not stand by that information.”

— Craig Monteilh, Former FBI Informant (Email to Lawyers)

What’s next

The Supreme Court is expected to announce shortly whether it will dismiss the case or send it back to a lower court for a public hearing, where Monteilh would get the chance to publicly testify and denounce the FBI.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex and often controversial relationship between government agencies, informants, and religious communities, as well as the potential for false claims and retractions to complicate efforts to hold the government accountable for surveillance activities.