FBI: Bulger tips on rise as fugitive nears 80

BOSTON—The FBI says it has seen an increase this year in tips and reported sightings of James “Whitey” Bulger as the fugitive Boston crime boss approaches his 80th birthday.

During a media briefing Tuesday, FBI agents said they have seen an uptick recently in reported sightings from Florida, traditionally a haven for retirees. They also said they were reexamining past tips and leads from various places around the world, including England, Ireland, Canada and the Americas.

Bulger has been a fugitive since shortly before he was indicted in January 1995. The last confirmed sighting was in London in 2002.

The FBI receives about 30 tips a week about Bulger, whose 80th birthday is Sept. 3. Agents have released two altered photos showing how the crime boss might possibly appear today.