A serious security breach has rocked the EU police agency, Europol, as sensitive files belonging to top law enforcement officials mysteriously vanish, sparking a crisis within the organization. The disappearance of critical personnel files, including those of Europol’s Executive Director Catherine De Bolle and other senior figures, has raised significant concerns about data security and privacy breaches. Despite ongoing internal investigations and speculations among staff, the exact circumstances surrounding the breach remain unclear, prompting questions about the agency’s ability to safeguard sensitive information effectively.
Amid the turmoil, four current and former officials shed light on the incident, revealing that some of the lost files resurfaced after being found abandoned in a public area in The Hague and subsequently handed over to local authorities. The missing personnel files contained vital information such as job applications, training records, personal details, and HR-related data, potentially exposing the affected officials to various risks. The involvement of Europol’s Human Resources head, Massimiliano Bettin, who was placed on administrative leave following the breach, further underscores the severity of the situation.
Europol, one of the EU’s largest agencies responsible for coordinating international law enforcement efforts, faces mounting scrutiny over the breach, with questions raised about the security measures in place to protect sensitive information. The incident has not only cast a shadow over the agency’s reputation but also prompted investigations by external authorities, including The Hague Police and the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS). As Europol grapples with the aftermath of the breach, restoring trust in its data security practices and ensuring accountability for the lapses become paramount priorities for the agency’s leadership.
