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A whistleblower has revealed the Afghan leak inquiry that British authorities left behind classified devices permitting the militant group to identify Afghans who worked with allied troops.

Data Breach Endangers Thousands in Danger

The source, called Person A, explained that people concerned by the security lapse were advised to change residences and change their phone numbers to avoid detection from militant forces.

Members of Parliament are currently examining the UK government's handling of a catastrophic breach of private information involving almost nineteen thousand individuals who had applied to relocate to Britain to flee militant rule.

How the Leak Happened

A data file with private information, comprising identities, phone numbers and in some cases family information, was inadvertently disclosed by a worker working at UK special forces headquarters in February 2022.

The breach was discovered in late 2023, when the names of nine people who had requested to settle in the UK were posted on Facebook.

Taliban Capabilities

Many believe there's a misunderstanding that Afghan rulers do not have similar capabilities that allied forces use,” she told lawmakers.

All equipment was abandoned in Afghanistan; it's in their hands. Once they acquire your phone number, they are able to track your exact position. That is what specialized teams achieved.”

Under inquiry about if militant forces possessed necessary encryption, Person A confirmed: “They have complete capability.”

Consequences of the Data Breach

Early investigations presented to the committee estimated that no fewer than forty-nine relatives and associates of individuals impacted by the incident had been executed.

A legal restriction concerning the breach was implemented in late 2023 and blocked any information about it from being made public until July 2025.

Security Recommendations

Because she was restricted, Person A and the aid group she collaborated with told affected households they were assisting that they had “suspicions that somebody's phone had been compromised”.

“Our suggestion was that they relocate when possible and changed their mobile numbers. Those were the two main details that, if authorities acquired this information, would lead to identification and capture,” she said.

Disputed Conclusions

The whistleblower argued that internal investigation carried out by a former official had been incorrect to conclude that the acquisition of the records by militant forces was “not significantly alter an individual's existing exposure”.

“The important fact is that these individuals are in hiding from the authorities; they live secretly. Everything boils down to their previous employment.”

Person A described disturbing abuse experienced by affected individuals, comprising electric shock torture, waterboarding, and physical abuse.

“We have had young kids who have had bones crushed to force households to reveal locations,” she testified.