n FBI investigation into alleged unlawful activity to help Qatar obtain World Cup 2022 hosting privileges may have extended further to help improve Qatar’s image in the U.S. and influence U.S. policy, according to an Associated Press report. 

The initial investigation focused on former CIA officer Kevin Chalker’s work to help Qatar through alleged foreign lobbying, surveillance and exporting sensitive information to undermine the country’s rivals in bidding for the World Cup, according to individuals with knowledge of the investigation. 

Chalker’s company Global Risk Advisors employed a number of methods, such as a Facebook "honeypot" trap, in which an attractive woman connected with a target, or someone posed as a photojournalist to keep tabs on one nation’s bid. 

Kevin Carroll, Chalker’s lawyer, pushed back on the allegations and said that Global Risk Advisors never engaged in any unlawful activity and remained unaware of any federal investigation. He added that the company received proper authorization from the U.S. government whenever its work required it. 

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Global Risk Advisors allegedly tried to undermine critics of Qatar, whom many accused of financing terrorism and other crimes. He tried to set up meetings between Qatari officials and top CIA leaders in an effort to strengthen Qatari influence, which did not happen.