Case study A9/12
MI5
Understand/action
Counter-terrorism
Summarised in the Operational Case
Operation Overt was the 2006 MI5 and police investigation into a plot to mount multiple
and simultaneous attacks on aircraft using home-made bombs. Had this plot succeeded,
it would have been the largest ever terrorist attack launched from the UK, with a death
toll comparable to that of 9/11. Bulk acquisition data enabled MI5 to identify the formerly
unknown leader of a further cell in the UK. Without the use of bulk acquisition data,
targeted techniques would have been required and would have resulted in the
interference with the privacy of a large number of people, all but one of them of no
intelligence interest.
Ten members of the network were subsequently convicted of offences relating to the
plot.
Case study A9/13
MI5
Understand
Counter-terrorism
In this recent case, MI5 was aware that a number of individuals, believed to be involved
in a plot to attack a UK target, were planning to travel overseas. Analysis of the group’s
communications activity and behaviour, including analysis of bulk acquisition data, was
used to discover the date of the group’s travel. Bulk acquisition was used in support of a
wide range of investigative and operational techniques, and enabled MI5 to identify other
individuals linked to the suspects. Two individuals were convicted of terrorism-related
offences, and a further two were convicted of other offences.
Case study A9/14
MI5
Understand
Counter-terrorism
This case involved the monitoring of a group of extremists who were known to meet in a
place used by other people of no intelligence interest. Analysis of bulk acquisition data
helped to enable MI5 to establish when the group was going to meet. More intrusive
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