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Police officers arrested in fraud investigation

PA Media A PSNI crest on a grey stone wall. The crest reads "Police Service of Northern Ireland" and as a St Patrick's cross in the middle.PA Media
A 'universal offer' of £500 was offered to PSNI staff affected by a major data breach in August 2023

Two Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) officers have been arrested as part of a fraud investigation relating to payments made after a major data breach.

The details of about 9,500 officers and staff were mistakenly published in response to a freedom of information request in August 2023.

This included details such as the surname and first initial of every employee, as well as their rank or grade, where they are based and the unit in which they work.

A £500 payment was then offered to help those affected take extra security and reassurance measures - which about 90% of workers availed of.

The PSNI later confirmed the information from the data breach had got into the hands of dissident republicans.

Deputy Chief Constable Bobby Singleton said two officers had been arrested, interviewed and bailed on 29 January for fraud offences relating to the payment.

He confirmed misconduct investigations were under way and the duty status of both officers was being considered.

"The public rightly expect and demand the highest standards of professionalism and integrity from all of our police officers and staff," Mr Singleton said.

"When the actions of individuals are suspected to fall short of these standards, it seriously undermines legitimacy, trust and public confidence in policing."