Police in Northern Ireland are investigating a document that was found posted on a wall in West Belfast, which allegedly contains information released in a mass data breach. The document, which was discovered near a Sinn Féin office, had names redacted but contained other sensitive information. Alongside the document was a photograph of Gerry Kelly, the party’s policing spokesperson.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) stated that it had been prepared for the possibility of such a development. Despite the threatening message accompanying the document, Gerry Kelly affirmed that he would not be intimidated. He explained that the document was noticed by a Sinn Féin staff member on a library wall across from their office and was promptly removed. The incident was captured on CCTV, although the cameras outside the office were not functioning at the time.
The document, reportedly three to four pages long, is believed to be related to a recent data breach that occurred on August 8th. Dissident groups claimed to possess information inadvertently leaked to the public. Despite the absence of officer names, the document contained substantial information. Kelly viewed it as an explicit threat from dissidents and their assertion of having access to the leaked data.
Assistant Chief Constable Chris Todd confirmed the investigation, stating that they were looking into the matter. DUP MLA Trevor Clarke, who is also a member of the Policing Board, suggested that the posting of the document was an attempt to create concerns within the PSNI and potentially gain political leverage.
Additionally, nearly half of Northern Ireland’s police officers, around 3,000 individuals, have reached out to the Police Federation regarding potential damages claims due to the data leak. The identities and workplaces of these officers were mistakenly disclosed by the PSNI. As a result, compensation claims are likely to ensue, with the potential costs estimated to be in the tens of millions of pounds. Furthermore, approximately 2,000 officers and support staff have voiced personal security concerns arising from the leak.
