
FBI Director Kash Patel cuts the ribbon at the official opening of the FBI office in Wellington, New Zealand, on July 31, 2025. Ola Thorsen/U.S. Embassy via AP
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has opened a new office in Wellington, New Zealand, expanding its presence in the Pacific to address growing security threats—including cybercrime, espionage, and influence from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
FBI Director Kash Patel, who made a discreet visit to Wellington, said in a video released by the U.S. Embassy that countering the CCP in the Pacific region, is “one of the most important global issues” facing the two countries.