Secret laptop data stolen from MoD

14 Dec 2009

It has been confirmed that a laptop containing secret Ministry of Defence data has been stolen from the organisation's headquarters.

The theft occurred in late November in central London, at the MoD building on Whitehall. The laptop has an encryption key for unlocking sensitive files.

An MoD spokesman said: "An investigation by MoD police is ongoing and it would be inappropriate to comment further."

The Sun reported that the laptop was left in the building by a top ranking RAF Officer, who was removed from the building following the incident. He has been transferred to another station while the investigation takes place.

Shadow defence secretary Liam Fox said: "If true this is an extremely worrying development. This goes way beyond the careless loss of a laptop or lapses in personal security that we have seen in recent times.

"I'll be seeking clarification from the Secretary of State as soon as possible."