Blue-chip probe cost cuts irk MP

The data watchdog’s plan to call on police officers to help conduct the so-called “blue-chip hacking” inquiry – and slash the estimated £200,000 cost – could compromise the investigation, according to MP Keith Vaz.
Information Commissioner Christopher Graham told MPs this week that members of the National Crime Agency – the successor to the Serious Organised Crime Agency (Soca) – may supply up to seven staff to bolster his investigation into retailers, finance and law firms which are accused of hiring corrupt private investigaters to steal rivals’ data.
But Vaz, chairman of the Commons’ all-party Home Affairs Select Committee, questioned the decision because Soca had dragged its feet over the investigation for 18 months.
“I think it will compromise your independence, quite frankly,” Vaz told the Commissioner during a session of the committee. “We want to see you going in there as an independent Information Commissioner relentlessly trying to find out what happened, not going back to the agency that sat on this for 18 months.”
Graham maintained he would remain in control of the inquiry and he was looking for ways to reduce the expected cost of £200,000. He also disclosed the inquiry may now go international.
Out of the cases examined so far, 24 took place overseas – in eight different countries – and were therefore outside his jurisdiction, Graham told MPs.
“We will initiate contact with other data protection authorities within the jurisdiction of the eight organisations who are operataing overseas,” he said.
Last week it was revealed that five UK retailers are among 19 companies who are facing the threat of legal action from the ICO.

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