shot-button
Subscription Subscription
Home > News > World News > Article > Scotland Yard used Indian hackers to spy on Brit scribes

Scotland Yard used Indian hackers to 'spy' on Brit scribes

Updated on: 23 March,2017 08:47 AM IST  | 
Agencies |

Scotland Yard is facing allegations of using hackers in India to illegally spy on email accounts of British journalists, environmental campaigners and activists, an anonymous letter to the UK's policing watchdog has claimed

Scotland Yard used Indian hackers to 'spy' on Brit scribes

Representation Pic/THINKSTOCK
Representation Pic/THINKSTOCK


London: Scotland Yard is facing allegations of using hackers in India to illegally spy on email accounts of British journalists, environmental campaigners and activists, an anonymous letter to the UK's policing watchdog has claimed.


The letter, believed to be from a whistleblower, alleges that a secretive unit at the Metropolitan Police used contacts in the Indian police to obtain passwords and monitored targets for several years. The UK's Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC)has launched an investi gation after the letter containing passwords for email accounts belonging to four Greenpeace campaigners as well as journalists and photographers was sent to Baroness Jenny Jones, former leader of the Green Party.


"For a number of years, the unit had been illegally accessing the email accounts of activists. This has largely been accomplished because of the contact that one of the officers had developed with counterparts in India who in turn were using hackers to obtain email passwords," an extract of the letter published in 'The Guardian' reads. The newspaper, which employs two of the reporters named in the letter, has confirmed that most of the passwords were correct.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!


Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK