The report quoted unnamed FBI sources, making this the first time that government officials had confirmed the unverified accusations of mob informants and other reports.

The motivation of Moore in co-operating with the operation was unclear, although FBI sources suggested that she had recently undergone a religious experience.

"People exaggerate who they are all the time," said an FBI source.

"Carson was a paper guy," said an FBI source close to the investigation.

"When she found out about the polygraph, Nancy was upset," said an FBI source.

The Egyptian was shaken, said the FBI source.

"It would just take a little more work" on the Bureau's part, an FBI source confirmed.

According to an FBI source, Sherman told her to call the Terrorism section.

"Salem kept reaching out to her," said an FBI source.

"To this day, she still wonders," said an FBI source.