Ex-diplomat under federal investigation

A veteran U.S. diplomat is under investigation as part of a counterintelligence probe, several news outlets reported Thursday.

The State Department said it is cooperating with a law enforcement investigation into Robin Raphel. Raphel had previously served as ambassador to Tunisia before retiring from the foreign service in 2005. In 2009, she became a contractor for the department.

{mosads}“We are aware of this law enforcement matter,” Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said in a statement. “The State Department has been cooperating with our law enforcement colleagues on this matter.”

The Washington Post first reported the investigation Thursday evening. It also reported that it was part of a counterintelligence matter — which often means that a person is suspected of spying for a foreign government. Raphel has not been charged with any crime.

Raphel was placed on leave and her clearances were revoked in October. Her contract with the department expired earlier this month and was not renewed.

The Post reported that her home had been searched in Washington, D.C., last month.

Raphel is a Pakistan expert with a long history at the State Department. She was a longtime career diplomat, serving as the first assistant secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs. She most recently worked as a senior advisor on civilian aid to Pakistan, according to The Associated Press.