Case study A9/10
MI5
Understand
Counter-terrorism
Summarised in the Operational Case
This case study related to the London and Glasgow attacks in 2007. Using bulk
acquisition data, MI5 was able to establish within hours that the same perpetrators were
responsible for both attacks. MI5 was also able, within a similarly short period, to learn
more about the details of the attacks, including the methods used and the identities of
those involved or associated with the attackers. The ability to conduct this analysis at
pace enabled MI5 to support the police in responding swiftly to the attacks and to the
threat of further, imminent attacks.
It would not have been possible to achieve the same results with comparable speed,
using targeted queries. Speed was essential at the time, when the SIAs and police had
to learn as quickly as possible whether other attacks were imminent. Bilal Abdulla was
subsequently convicted of conspiracy to murder and conspiracy to cause explosions
likely to endanger life. Kafeel Ahmed died of the injuries that he sustained at Glasgow
Airport, having set himself alight.
Case study A9/11
MI5
Understand
Counter-terrorism
Summarised in the Operational Case
In 2010, a network of terrorists – comprising groups in Cardiff, London and Stoke-onTrent - planned a series of bomb attacks at several symbolic locations in the UK,
including the London Stock Exchange. Complex analysis of bulk acquisition data played
a key role in identifying the network. The task was made particularly challenging by the
geographical separation of the groups. Nine members of the network were subsequently
charged and pleaded guilty to terrorism offences relating to the plot. Eight members of
the network pleaded guilty to engaging in conduct in preparation for acts of terrorism.
MI5 reiterated to the Review team the assertion it had already made in public that the
use of targeted communications data would not have allowed it to identify the attackers
and understand the links between them with the speed made possible by the use of bulk
acquisition data.
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