Former parliamentary staffer arrested under anti-hacking laws

A former employee in the Houses of Parliament was arrested last week under anti-hacking laws.

Counter terror detectives arrested for former staff member at an address in Coventry on Thursday, April 16.

He was taken into custody and questioned on suspicion of offenses contrary to the Computer Misuse Act 1990.

The law covers unauthorised access to computer material, includes intent to commit or facilitate further offenses, and unauthorised modification of computer material.

The arrest was first announced by Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle on Monday.

Addressing MPs at the start of business in the House, he said: ‘I want to make a brief statement about a security matter.

‘I’ve been informed by the police that a former parliamentary employee was arrested last week under the Computer Misuse Act 1990.

‘The police investigation is ongoing. As you know, we do not discuss the details of such issues on the floor of the House.

‘This is an ongoing criminal investigation. I do not intend to take any further point of order on this matter. I will update members when I’m in a position to share more information.’

A parliamentary spokesperson said: ‘We are aware of the arrest of an individual under the Computer Misuse Act 1990, but as this is a live police investigation we are unable to comment further.

‘The safety and security of everyone who works in or visits Parliament is our priority.’

A Met spokesperson said: ‘A 40-year-old man was arrested at an address in Coventry by detectives from Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) London on Thursday, 16 April on suspicion of offenses contrary to Section 1 of Computer Misuse Act1990.

‘The man, who is a former-employee at the Houses of Parliament, was taken into custody before being released on bail to a date in July. The allegations relate to when the man was employed at Parliament.

‘The investigation is being led by officers from CTP London, with support from the Met’s Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection (PaDP) Command. Enquiries continue.’

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