UK Faces Security Scandal as Afghan Data Breach Unveiled

File photo courtesy of PA Media

Thousands of Afghans relocated to Britain face a security nightmare as the personal data of up to 3,700 individuals has been exposed. The breach occurred following a cyberattack on Inflite The Jet Centre, a subcontractor for the Ministry of Defence, handling flights at London Stansted Airport.

The sensitive information potentially compromised includes names, passport details, and Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) numbers. Only a month ago, another data breach exposed the personal information of almost 19,000 Afghans who are seeking safety from the Taliban. However, the government reassures that there’s no current evidence of public data release.

Affected Afghans made their journey to the UK between January and March 2024 under a scheme designed for those who supported British troops. An email from the Afghan resettlement team warned families about the potential exposure of their passport and Arap details. British military personnel and former government ministers are also said to be among those impacted.

A government spokesperson stated that only a few emails containing basic personal information were accessed. They emphasised taking data security "extremely seriously," and Inflite reported the incident to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), which confirmed the breach's report.

Professor Sara de Jong of the Sulha Alliance condemned the breach as "astonishing", highlighting the additional stress for Afghans who risked their lives alongside British forces. She called for the Ministry of Defence to fast-track pending Afghan relocation cases.

This incident follows a February 2022 data leak, which made over 19,000 Afghans vulnerable by revealing their sensitive details. Victims were secretly moved to the UK, with the data exposure coming to light in July.

The son of an elite Afghan special forces member shared concerns with Newsnight about his family's safety following the breach, as they await decisions on their UK relocation from Pakistan. The family's deportation fears became real after local raids, with their fate uncertain after deportation back to Afghanistan.

The Ministry of Defence reaffirmed its commitment to relocating eligible people, stressing the necessity of strict checks. Former UK National Security Adviser Sir Mark Lyall Grant labelled the breaches "deeply embarrassing", urging the government to act swiftly to protect those genuinely at risk.

Kwasi Kwarteng, the former Chancellor, described the breaches as "very serious," while Liberal Democrat Helen Maguire called for an independent investigation, citing "staggering incompetence" and inadequate security measures.

The situation raises significant concerns about the safety and security practices in handling sensitive personal information, spotlighting the need for urgent action to safeguard those vulnerable to the Taliban.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from [source] 2025-08-18