Case study A9/4
MI5
Identify
Counter-terrorism
In 2015 MI5 analysis of bulk acquisition data identified a previously unknown contact with
a senior Islamist extremist. Given the significance of the contact, MI5 quickly deployed
more intrusive, targeted resources. These techniques revealed to MI5 that the individual
was aware of plans being developed to conduct attacks in the UK, and enabled MI5 to
take steps to manage the threat. Without bulk acquisition data, MI5 is not confident that it
could so quickly have identified the threat and managed the risk.
Case study A9/5
MI5
Identify
Counter-espionage
In 2015 the use of bulk acquisition data enabled MI5 to identify a national of a potentially
hostile state who was suspected of being involved in espionage in the UK. The Review
team was given information which indicated that, without bulk acquisition data, it is
unlikely that the individual would have been identified.
The Review team was given details of MI5’s counter-espionage operations: in a further
example, analysis of bulk acquisition data alerted MI5 to the presence in the UK of
another individual suspected of espionage. In this second case, MI5 worked with
partners and took action to mitigate the threat. It had little time to take this action.
Without the use of bulk acquisition data it might have been possible to detect the
presence of the individual in the UK, but the necessary steps using targeted powers
would have been significantly slower and in any event more intrusive.
Case study A9/6
MI5
Identify
Counter-terrorism
In 2013, intelligence indicated that an individual believed to be in contact with Islamist
extremists had acquired a new phone. Acquiring the number of that phone was an MI5
investigative priority because of the risk that the individual would either carry out
extremist activity himself, or provide assistance to other members of the group to which
he belonged.
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