KP Law’s statement on Metropolitan Police data breach

KP Law, the law firm representing more than 275 survivors in their abuse and exploitation claims against Harrods and the Estate of Mohamed Al Fayed, has today announced that it has formally written to the Metropolitan Police on behalf of clients affected by the disclosure of more than 140 survivors’ personal email addresses, raising serious concerns about the breach and its impact on survivors.

As reported over the weekend, this serious data breach by the Metropolitan Police, apparently caused by human error, is the latest in a series of highly publicised concerns surrounding the Met’s ongoing investigation, Operation Cornpoppy.

Kingsley Hayes, Lead Partner at KP Law, which represents the largest cohort of survivors, said:

“Hundreds of our survivor clients have already been let down by the Met and the manner in which Operation Cornpoppy has been conducted. Now, each of the more than 140 survivors whose personal email addresses were disclosed has been subjected to further distress and anxiety. This is wholly inexcusable.”

Lucy Traynor, Lead Solicitor at KP Law, added:

“The vast majority of the email addresses exposed belong to clients of KP Law. What we are hearing from those affected is real concern and anxiety about their personal email addresses having been disseminated. Once that information has been shared in this way, survivors have no control over who may retain it, how it may be used or whether it may be shared further. For individuals who have already been through so much, that loss of control is deeply distressing and should never have happened.

“This is particularly concerning given that survivors provided their contact details to the Met in the context of an investigation into extremely sensitive and deeply personal matters. They were entitled to trust that those details would be handled appropriately and securely. Instead, this breach has caused further unnecessary worry and has only compounded the concerns many of our clients already have about the Met’s handling of Operation Cornpoppy.

“On Friday, the Met confirmed that the data breach had occurred and that it had reported the incident to the Information Commissioner. Given the seriousness of what has happened, and the continuing concerns raised by our clients about the manner in which the Met is conducting its investigation, we have now formally written to the Met and will be bringing claims on behalf of affected clients for the distress and anxiety this breach has caused.”

Hayes continued:

“Our survivors have suffered enough. Harrods and the Estate appear more focused on fighting between themselves and protecting their respective commercial and legal interests than on bringing the ongoing settlement process to a conclusion and delivering meaningful justice to those whose lives have been profoundly affected.

“At the same time, the Met continues to fail the very survivors who should be able to place their trust in its investigation. Those survivors deserve answers, accountability and the assurance that their privacy and interests will now be properly protected.”