An informant has told an official investigation that the UK abandoned confidential devices permitting the militant group to track down local individuals who worked with western forces.
Data Breach Puts Thousands at Risk
The source, known as Person A, testified that Afghans affected by the data leak were advised to move homes and switch their mobile numbers to ensure their safety from the ruling authorities.
Members of Parliament are looking into official management of a massive disclosure of confidential data involving almost nineteen thousand individuals who had requested to relocate to the United Kingdom to avoid the Taliban.
How the Leak Happened
A spreadsheet with confidential details, including names, contact details and in some cases family information, was accidentally leaked by an official working at British military command in last year.
The leak became known only in August 2023, when the names of several individuals who had applied to relocate to Britain appeared on social media.
Regime's Resources
Many believe there's a misunderstanding that the Taliban lack comparable resources that western nations possess,” she told MPs.
Technology was deserted in Afghanistan; they possess it. If they have mobile details, they can trace your precise location. That is what intelligence groups did.”
During testimony about regarding if authorities owned sophisticated technology, the whistleblower confirmed: “They possess all resources.”
Aftermath of the Security Lapse
Initial findings provided to the investigation estimated that at least 49 relatives and co-workers of individuals impacted by the breach had been killed.
A superinjunction about the leak was enacted in last year and prevented relevant facts regarding the matter from public disclosure until July 2025.
Protective Actions
Because she was restricted, the source and the volunteer organization associated with advised individuals at risk they were assisting that they had “concerns that somebody's phone had been breached”.
“We recommended that they moved where feasible and switched their contact details. Those were the two main details that, should militant forces had access to these details, would cause them being traced,” Person A explained.
Contested Findings
The source argued that government assessment conducted by a retired civil servant had been wrong to determine that the possession of the records by the Taliban was “minimally impact current risk levels”.
“The important fact is that these Afghans are not standing up to the Taliban; they are in hiding. The primary issue involves their previous employment.”
She detailed horrific treatment suffered by at-risk Afghans, involving electrocution, waterboarding, and physical abuse.
“Instances include four-year-old children who have had bones crushed to try to get relatives to reveal locations,” the whistleblower revealed.
