links between individuals far more easily and quickly than it would have been able
otherwise to do, and to ensure that it focused resources where most appropriate.
Case study A11/12
MI5
Identify/target development/action
Counter-terrorism
Summarised in the Operational Case
MI5’s holding of BPDs includes lists which identify individuals in the UK likely to have
access to firearms. These BPDs are checked against the names of known terrorists and
as part of specific investigations. The information is believed by MI5 to have particular
value, since recent overseas attacks, including the Paris attacks, have involved the use
of firearms.
Case study A11/13
MI5
Action
Counter-terrorism
BPDs were analysed in 2015 by MI5, with advice from the Joint Terrorism Analysis
Centre, to identify likely locations for entry to the UK being used by Islamic extremists.
This information enabled counter-terrorism resources to be prioritised. This exercise has
been found to be of value and will be updated.
Case study A11/14
MI5
Action
Counter-terrorism
Summarised in the Operational Case
In this case, MI5 had obtained intelligence to indicate that a number of Islamist
extremists were planning to travel to the UK in order to carry out an attack. The use of
BPDs suggested that one individual was travelling to the UK earlier than had been
expected. This knowledge enabled resources to be concentrated on this person, and led
to him being stopped on his arrival in the UK and valuable intelligence obtained. Without
the use of BPDs, MI5 would not have had the advance notice necessary to stop the
individual.
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