done using a targeted thematic EI warrant) to identify the users of devices in this
location.
From the data brought back, GCHQ was able to identify approximately 80 individuals for
further investigation. Upon more investigation, it became apparent that some of these
individuals were implicated in the highest priority threats to the UK and its international
partners.
GCHQ gave the Review team examples of locations and intelligence requirements
where this approach would be expected to deliver similar results but where the
technological and physical environment meant that it would be necessary, in future, to
conduct the operation under a bulk EI rather than targeted thematic EI warrant. In this
specific case study, the only potentially viable option which might partially have
replicated the results would have been the use of human sources to obtain information;
even if this had been practicable, the risk to any human agent would have been very
great, and the results less complete and less timely.
Case study A10/2
GCHQ
Identify/target development/action
Counter-terrorism
This case study related to part of an operation targeting extremists in Syria responsible
for hostage-taking and attempted attacks on UK nationals. The location of the individuals
and the technological environment in which they communicated made monitoring via
bulk interception very challenging and inadequate.
In order to determine how these individuals were communicating, GCHQ conducted an
EI operation against the wider area in which they operated under an ISA authorisation
(under the Bill this would be done using a targeted thematic EI warrant). The operation
identified the devices and individuals sought at the outset of the operation, and
supported further intelligence work, both by GCHQ and its partners, against them.
Again the only potentially viable option which might partially have replicated the results
obtained through EI would have been the use of human sources; again, the risks to any
human agent would have been great, and the information would have taken longer to
obtain and would have been less complete.
185