Westminster honeytrap victims named in e mail after Met Police knowledge blunder | EUROtoday

The Metropolitan Police has apologised for sending an e mail that named alleged victims of the Westminster honeytrap scandal to one another.

The pressure stated it had referred itself to the Information Commissioner’s Office after an e mail referring to the continued investigation was “sent in error” on Friday.

Reports have stated alleged victims’ e mail addresses had been viewable to one another within the message, as a substitute of being hidden.

The Metropolitan Police stated officers would “personally apologise” to these affected.

In a press release, a Met spokesperson stated: “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.”

The Met is investigating flirtatious messages being despatched by somebody calling themselves “Charlie” or “Abi” to as many as 20 individuals together with MPs, staffers and political journalists.

Earlier this 12 months, no less than 12 males in political circles acquired the unsolicited WhatsApp messages, Scotland Yard beforehand stated. In some situations, specific photos had been exchanged.

Former Conservative MP William Wragg resigned the celebration whip after he admitted giving politicians’ cellphone numbers to a suspected scammer.

An ICO spokesperson stated: “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”.