A similar incident occurred in New Zealand, where three replica pistols gifted by Patel to local officials were destroyed in accordance with domestic gun laws.
New Zealand law enforcement agencies categorized the items as challenge coin display stands that included an inoperable 3D-printed weapon, which was destroyed after being deemed potentially operable.
Despite the destruction of the imitation gun, the released documents show that Kershaw received approval upon his retirement to keep a bottle of Woodford Reserve bourbon valued between A$51 and A$100.
The Atlantic previously reported that Patel routinely gifts personalized bottles of Woodford Reserve engraved with his name, title, and an FBI shield.
In response to reports about the custom bourbon gifts, FBI Assistant Director Ben Williamson defended the practice in a statement to The Guardian.
"The Atlantic’s premise is false and misleading.
The bottles in question are part of a common practice in the FBI that started well over a decade ago, long before Director Patel arrived," Williamson said.
"Senior Bureau officials have long exchanged commemorative items in formal gift settings consistent with ethics rules.
Director Patel has followed all applicable ethical guidelines and pays for any personal gift himself," the statement added.
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The released Australian documents do not specify if the bourbon bottle gifted to Kershaw carried any personalization.
