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The Met Police revealed the names of the alleged victims of the Westminster “copper trap” scandal in an accidentally sent email, it has emerged.
A police officer emailed some alleged victims informing them of the case to be heard in court, but inadvertently revealed their names and contact details to each other.
Police are investigating a case of someone posing as a person called Charlie or Abby who tried to get information from about 20 people, including MPs, parliamentary staff and political journalists.
The BBC revealed that an email was sent on Friday afternoon to inform 18 people that the suspect’s bail date was being changed due to 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 exposed like this. This will make me think again about reporting anything to the Met.
Another alleged victim said: “Honestly, I’m sickened to find my name is now being thrown around in connection with this whole saga.
“Every single one of us on the list is a victim who now has to weigh the reputational risk of being associated with all of this because we simply did the right thing and came forward when we were encouraged to do so.”
“There is no communication to say that this error happened – and all this is, essentially, is another retention email. It’s exhausting.”
In June it was reported that a member of the Labor Party campaigning for the party’s general election had been arrested in connection with the Westminster Copper Trap plot.
He is being held on suspicion of harassment and offenses under the Online Safety Act.
Police are understood to have notified parliamentary authorities and reminded staff to be careful when sending group emails.
A Met spokesman said: “An email relating to an ongoing investigation was sent in error today.
“We realize the impact on those involved and sincerely apologize for any distress.
“A referral has been made to the Information Commissioner’s Office and we await advice on next steps.
“Staff will be contacting those affected to apologize personally and provide reassurance.”
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