Oh boy. Oh yes it is. You don't bribe someone for information unless you have dirt on them, otherwise there's nothing to stop them turning traitor on you. If you don't have dirt on them, you just invent some. Doesn't matter. People don't fact-check - if the media says it, it must be true.

> You don't bribe someone for information unless you have dirt on them

That's not a bribe.

Learn the difference between strong-arm tactics such as blackmail and bribes. Two completely different approaches.

The two almost always go hand in hand, unless you're talking about bribing a traffic cop - which we're not.

Patronising dickhead.

Touched a nerve kiddo?

Link me to a case where NSA/CIA/FBI blackmailed AND worked with / gave money to an individual at the same time.

Still a patronising dickhead?

The CIA typically recruit through a combination of carrot and stick - i.e. bribery and blackmail.

"Hey dude, let me tell you about this sweet slightly dodgy thing I can get you in on."

... ...

"Oh by the way, I hope you like all that money you made. I work for the CIA. Work with us or go to jail, your call."

More commonly than not it's not about self-preservation, rather protection of loved ones - read up on Operation Mockingbird, which was driven pretty much entirely on this basis - luring journalists in with a subtle bribe hook, then using it to blackmail them.

Not sure why I'm even engaging with you. Go back to your military contracting job and keep your head down.