Daniel De Simone, a BBC correspondent, reveals the arrest of three people suspected of spying for Russia in the UK. Data leaks from the Police Service of Northern Ireland are discussed, causing concerns about officer safety. Jordan Dunbar, presenter of BBC podcast series Blood On The Dance Floor, talks about the killing of a Northern Irish police officer. BBC security correspondent Frank Gardner explains the current focus of British intelligence services.
A data leak in Northern Ireland has exposed the identities of 10,000 police officers, putting them at risk and raising concerns for officers' safety and the potential impact on recruitment in an already fragile peace process.
Three Bulgarian nationals living in the UK have been arrested and charged with being spies for Russia, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding espionage and potential threats from state actors like Russia and others.
Deep dives
Data leak exposes police officers' identities in Northern Ireland
A data leak in Northern Ireland has exposed the identities of 10,000 police officers, putting them at risk. The leaked information, removed shortly after being published, included surnames, initials, ranks, units, and locations. This breach endangers officers who previously kept their occupation secret for security reasons. The threat to police officers in Northern Ireland is unique due to their armed status and the heightened risks they face. The leak has raised concerns for officers' safety and the potential impact on recruitment in an already fragile peace process.
Three suspected Russian spies arrested in the UK
Three Bulgarian nationals living in the UK have been arrested and charged with being spies for Russia. The three individuals, who have lived in the UK for 10 to 15 years, were found in possession of fake passports and identity documents. They are accused of spying activities on behalf of the Russian state. This case highlights ongoing concerns regarding espionage and potential threats from state actors like Russia and others, as identified by UK security services. The investigation into these suspected spies is ongoing, with the trial scheduled for January.
Emerging security threats, energy vulnerabilities, and hybrid warfare
Apart from specific incidents and threats, the security landscape in the UK also faces emerging challenges. One such challenge is the vulnerability of energy supplies, particularly with the recent geopolitical tensions between Russia and Ukraine. This has compelled Western Europe to seek alternative energy sources, leading to potential risks related to underwater threats and sabotage. Moreover, the rise of hybrid warfare, involving state-led threats, necessitates greater attention on cybersecurity, information warfare, and the safeguarding of critical infrastructure. China's expanding influence and hoarding of data also pose significant concerns for UK security services.
Three people have been arrested and are suspected of spying for Russia in the UK. It’s BBC correspondent Daniel De Simone’s exclusive, and he’s in the studio to give the background.
And, information from 10,000 employees at the Police Service of Northern Ireland has been mistakenly released.
An ex PSNI officer is on to discuss why many are feeling unsafe as a result, as well as Jordan Dunbar, presenter of BBC podcast series Blood On The Dance Floor, which is about the killing of a Northern Irish police officer.
BBC security correspondent Frank Gardner describes what the intelligence services are focussing on, and is on throughout.
You can join our Newscast online community here: https://tinyurl.com/newscastcommunityhere
Today's Newscast was presented by James Cook. It was made by Chris Flynn with Clare Williamson and Joe Wilkinson. The technical producer was Emma Crowe. The editor is Damon Rose.
This podcast has been edited since it was first published to delete a section in which a contributor said police suspect the Real Ira of the shooting of an officer and the killing of journalist Lyra McKee. In fact police believe the New Ira are responsible.
01:04 - PSNI data leaks
14:32 - Three are suspected of spying for Russia
20:38 - The focus of British intelligence services
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