Archive · 13 Jun 2025
Ex-Intelligence Worker Jailed for Taking Top Secret Data
A former British intelligence worker named Hasaan Arshad was caught taking top secret information home, which put national security at risk.
This worker, who was 25, took data with the names of other intelligence employees.
He was sent to prison for seven and a half years due to this and also for having inappropriate images of children.
His lawyer said he did it because he wanted to complete his work.
This caused damage to the UK's security, according to the court.
Former UK intelligence worker Hasaan Arshad was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison.
Arshad pleaded guilty to a Computer Misuse Act offense and making indecent images of children.
He downloaded top secret data containing names of GCHQ employees and took it home.
Arshad's actions damaged confidence in UK security, according to the prosecutor.
The defense cited his 'perfectionism' as a reason for taking the data.
- Who
- Hasaan Arshad, a former British intelligence worker.
- What
- Former British intelligence worker was jailed for taking top secret data home.
- When
- Sentencing occurred on Friday; offenses occurred between August and September 2022.
- Where
- London, UK.
- Why
- Arshad took data due to 'perfectionism' related to his unfinished work.
Prosecution
Defense
Intent vs. Impact
Prosecution
Arshad endangered national security.
Defense
Defense argued Arshad did not intend to cause such a risk.
- Defendant
- Hasaan Arshad
- Age
- 25
- Offenses
- Computer Misuse Act, Indecent Images of Children
- Sentence
- 7.5 years
- Employer
- GCHQ
- Data
- Top secret, including names of 17 GCHQ employees