Electronic devices are seized from two homes as data watchdog investigates leaking of bombshell CCTV footage of Matt Hancock kissing aide
- Data watchdog has seized electronic devices in probe into Matt Hancock CCTV
- Dramatic footage of then-Health Secretary in a clinch in office sparked downfall
- Questions have been asked about how the highly-sensitive footage emerged
Electronic devices have been seized following searches of two homes in relation to the leaking of the CCTV footage that led to Matt Hancock‘s downfall, it was revealed today.
The Information Commissioner’s Office said they had retrieved the kit as part of an investigation into how the material emerged.
The dramatic pictures of the then-Health Secretary in a clinch with Gina Coladangelo in his Whitehall office caused a storm.
After initially trying to hang on and being backed by Boris Johnson, he quit admitting he had breached social distancing rules.
But serious questions have been raised about how the highly sensitive footage came to be leaked.
The Information Commissioner’s Office said they had retrieved the kit as part of an investigation into how the material emerged
Electronic devices have been seized following searches of two homes in relation to the leaking of the CCTV footage that led to Matt Hancock ‘s downfall, it was revealed today
The ICO said in a statement: ‘EMCOR Group (UK) plc, which provides facilities management and CCTV services for the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), has submitted a breach report as a processor of personal data, alleging images were taken from the DHSC CCTV system without consent from either EMCOR Group (UK) plc or the DHSC…
‘As part of the investigation, ICO teams searched two residential properties in the south of England on Thursday 15 July 2021.
‘Personal computer equipment and electronic devices were seized as part of the operation and the ICO’s enquiries into alleged breaches of section 170 of the Data Protection Act 2018 continue.’
Steve Eckersley, Director of Investigations at the ICO said: ‘It’s vital that all people, including employees and visitors to public buildings, have trust and confidence in the protection of their personal data captured by CCTV.
‘In these circumstances, the ICO aims to react swiftly and effectively to investigate where there is a risk that other people may have unlawfully obtained personal data. We have an ongoing investigation into criminal matters and will not be commenting further until it is concluded.’
Mr Hancock is believed to have split from his wife Martha (left) after his relationship with Ms Coladangelo, 43, emerged