According to the BBC and other news agencies the publisher of the Daily Mail, Associated Newspapers, is being sued for the most serious illegal newsgathering ever by a group of high-profile individuals including the likes of Prince Harry, Elton John, and Doreen Lawrence. The group of 6 have decided to collectively sue Associated Newspapers after claiming they are victims of “abhorrent criminal activity” and “gross breaches of privacy by Associated Newspapers.”
- The hiring of private investigators to place listening devices inside people’s cars and homes
- Commissioning people to secretly bug and record private phone calls
- Paying police officials for sensitive information
- Accessing bank accounts, credit histories and financial transactions
- Impersonating people to obtain medical information from hospitals and clinics
The statement about the legal action against Associated Newspapers, released by Hamlins law firm, said “It is apparent to these individuals that the alleged crimes listed above represent the tip of the iceberg – and that many other innocent people remain unknowing victims of similar terrible and reprehensible covert acts.”
If these allegations turn out to be true, this would highlight the ongoing threat of unlawful eavesdropping devices being used to gather confidential information, while the victims of these attacks remain unaware of the threat they are facing.