Scott Bloch, head of the U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC), was accused by former employees of dismissing hundreds of whistleblower complaints, removing protections against sexual-orientation discrimination from OSC materials, and retaliating against staff who raised concerns. The allegations triggered a congressional investigation. During that investigation, Bloch allegedly hired a technology company to erase the contents of his computer and several OSC laptops, potentially destroying evidence sought by lawmakers.
Bloch initially claimed the wiping was a response to a computer virus, but later admitted he had ordered it to withhold information from Congress. He ultimately resigned as OSC chief and pleaded guilty to withholding information. The episode exposed how an agency responsible for protecting federal whistleblowers could itself obstruct oversight and use routine data-erasure services to frustrate an investigation. POGO and allied public-interest groups participated in the investigation and trial, helping bring the conduct to public attention.
