Washington DC: US President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Kash Patel, a former defence department chief of staff and a staunch ally, to head the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Patel, who has often criticised the agency, would replace Christopher Wray if confirmed.

Trump praised Patel, calling him a defender of justice and an advocate for accountability and the US Constitution. Patel, a former prosecutor and national security aide, has previously proposed limiting the FBI’s powers and criticised what he refers to as “government tyranny” within the bureau.

The announcement also included nominations for other key positions. Trump named Chad Chronister, a Florida sheriff with over 30 years of experience, as the head of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). Additionally, Charles Kushner, a real estate developer and father of Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, was nominated as the ambassador to France.

All three nominations require Senate confirmation.

Patel’s nomination signals Trump's focus on reforming federal agencies. His history with Trump dates back to his role as senior counsel to the House Intelligence Committee during the 2017 investigations into Russian election interference.

The FBI has yet to comment on Patel’s nomination. Current director Wray, appointed by Trump in 2017, has faced criticism from the president-elect over the FBI's handling of investigations related to Trump.

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New Delhi (PTI): Delhi Police has recovered 1,850 stolen and lost mobile phones worth around Rs 4 crore in past 40 days under "Mission Reconnect", an initiative aimed at returning phones to their rightful owners in outernorth Delhi, an official said on Saturday.

The recovered phones were traced from different parts of the country, including remote areas, through technical surveillance and sustained field operations, police said, adding that the devices were handed over to their owners during a programme at the Sports Ground, New Police Lines, Kingsway Camp.

The initiative focused on a victim-centric approach and aimed at strengthening public trust through proactive policing and coordinated efforts across states, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Outernorth) Hareshwar Swami said.

As part of the programme, teams performed 'nukkad nataks' and screened awareness videos on cybercrime, drug abuse prevention, and senior citizen safety, sensitising the public about digital frauds and safety measures, officials said.

The initiative combines technology, investigation and community participation to ensure recovery of lost property and reconnect citizens with their valuables, they added.