The Metropolitan police revealed the names of alleged victims of the Westminster “honeytrap” scandal in an accidentally sent email, it has emerged.
A police officer emailed some alleged victims updating them on the case, which is due to be heard in court, but inadvertently revealed their names and contact details to each other.
The police are investigating a case of someone who posed as a person called Charlie or Abi who tried to get information out of about 20 people, including MPs, parliamentary staff and political journalists.
The BBC revealed that an email was sent on Friday afternoon to update 18 people that the date a suspect would have to answer bail was being changed because of a fire at Charing Cross police station.
It is likely to be reported to the information commissioner as a data breach.
One of the alleged victims told the BBC: “It’s infuriating to have your personal details released in this way. It will make me think twice about reporting anything to the Met again.”
Another alleged victim said: “To be honest, I feel sickened to discover that my name has now been circulated in relation to this whole saga.
“Every one of us listed is a victim who now has to weigh up the risk to our reputations of being associated with this all for simply doing the right thing and coming forward when we were encouraged to do so.
“There has been no communication to say that this error has happened – and all for what is essentially another holding email. It’s exhausting.”
In June, it was reported that a Labour member involved in the party’s general election campaign had been arrested in connection with the Westminster honeytrap plot. He was held on suspicion of harassment and offences under the Online Safety Act.
It is understood the police have told the parliamentary authorities and reminded officers about taking care when sending group emails.
A Met spokesperson said: “An email relating to an ongoing investigation was sent in error today. We recognise the impact on those involved and apologise sincerely for any distress.
“A referral to the Information Commissioner’s Office has been made and we await advice on next steps. Officers will be reaching out to those impacted to personally apologise and provide reassurance.”
An ICO spokesperson said: “People have the right to expect that organisations will handle their personal information securely and responsibly. If an individual has concerns about how their data has been handled they should raise it with the organisation, then report them to us if they are not satisfied with the response.
“The Metropolitan police have made us aware of an incident and we will assess the information provided.”
Source: theguardian.com
