Japan is dealing with a very serious and reputation damagingm security breach
after sensitive documents containing counter- terrorism intelligence were
leaked onto the Internet recently.
Over one hundred files with data about terrorism investigations, suspects and
informants, some of which believed to be shared by foreign agencies, are currently
being distributed on file sharing networks. Even though there is no official
confirmation, there are strong indications that the documents were extracted from the Tokyo Metropolitan Police
Department's (MPD) Public Security Bureau.
Along with with it's national counterpart the Public Security Intelligence Agency (PSIA), the Public Security Bureau (PSB) is tasked with protecting national
security. The PSB is a very secretive
organization, which employs
employs over 2,000 police
officers. In many ways it is the
Japanese equivalent of the
British MI5.
The incident has been strongly
criticized in the local media,
because it can seriously hurt
relationships with foreign
security agencies, which
entrusted the Public Security
Bureau with sensitive
information.
The well being of informants
can also be at risk, if the
terrorist organizations they
are connected to learn of their
collaboration with authorities.
According to Mainichi Daily News,
the leaked data includes
photographs, personal details
and surveillance notes for
people currently under
investigation.
There is also a list of individuals
who frequent mosques in
Japan, as well as account
records for people working
within foreign embassies.
Information about counter-
terrorism training and
investigation procedures shared
by
the FBI is also said to be
contained in the exposed
documents.
"Confidentiality is a given for
information handled by the
MPD's third foreign affairs
division," commented a former
police officer familiar with
counter-terrorism operations
for Mainichi.
"Overseas security bodies will
have to become cautious about
providing information, and this
may also affect the approach
to APEC," he added.
The Asia-Pacific Economic
Cooperation (APEC) summit will
be held in Yokohama on
November 13 and 14. A number
of 21 foreign government
leaders are expected to
attend.
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