Metropolitan Police Apologizes for Email Revealing “Honeytrap” Victims’ Identities

The Metropolitan Police has issued an apology to individuals affected by the Westminster “honeytrap” scandal after inadvertently sending an email that disclosed the names of all victims. The police force stated its intention to refer itself to the Information Commissioner, the data watchdog, regarding this breach. The Met is currently investigating flirtatious messages reportedly sent by someone identifying as “Charlie” or “Abi” to as many as 20 people, including Members of Parliament, parliamentary staff, and political journalists. A detective dispatched an email to potential victims to provide an update on the case, but unintentionally copied all involved parties, thereby revealing their names and email addresses to the recipients. The email was sent on Friday afternoon to inform 18 individuals that the date a suspect was due to answer bail was being changed due to a fire at Charing Cross police station. However, the sender, a detective sergeant within the Met’s Diplomatic and Parliamentary Protection unit, included the recipients’ names in the “CC” (Carbon Copy) field of the email, rather than the “BCC” (Blind Carbon Copy) field, which would have kept their identities concealed. The BBC has reviewed the email and will not be disclosing the names of those listed as recipients, though it confirms they include members of parliament, political journalists, and staff from the House of Commons. One of the alleged victims conveyed to the BBC: “It’s infuriating to have your personal details released in this way. “It will make me think twice about reporting anything to the Met again.” Another alleged victim stated: “To be honest, I feel sickened to discover that my name has now been circulated in relation to this whole saga. “Every one of us listed is a victim who now has to weigh up the risk to our reputations of being associated with this all for simply doing the right thing and coming forward when we were encouraged to do so.”There has been no communication to say that this error has happened – and all for what is essentially another holding email. It’s exhausting.” In an official statement, Scotland Yard commented: “An email relating to an ongoing investigation was sent in error today [Friday].”We recognise the impact on those involved and apologise sincerely for any distress.”A referral to the Information Commissioner’s Office has been made and we await advice on next steps.”Officers will be reaching out to those impacted to personally apologise and provide reassurance.” A Labour member was arrested by police in June of this year on suspicion of harassment and committing offences under the Online Safety Act. Former Conservative MP William Wragg has previously spoken out about experiencing suicidal thoughts after feeling pressured into sharing details about others.