LONDON – The British government secretly relocated thousands of Afghans at risk of Taliban retaliation after a major Ministry of Defence (MoD) data breach exposed their personal details, a court has revealed.
A Security Disaster & Secret Rescue
The breach, which occurred in early 2022, saw sensitive information—including names of Afghan allies, British MPs, and military officers—leaked online. Fearing Taliban reprisals, the UK launched a covert £2 billion ($2.7bn) relocation scheme, shielded by a court-ordered media blackout until this week.
Defence Secretary John Healey apologized in Parliament, calling it “one of the worst security breaches in modern British history.” So far, 4,500 Afghans and their families have been moved to the UK under the scheme.
No Further Help for Leak Victims
Despite the risks, the government confirmed no additional relocations will be offered, citing a review that found “little evidence” of Taliban intent to hunt down those named. However, over 16,000 Afghans have already been resettled in Britain under various programs.
Political Fallout
The revelation comes as:
✔ UK public finances remain strained
✔ Anti-immigration Reform UK surges in polls
✔ Debate rages over Britain’s Afghan withdrawal legacy
The breach highlights the lasting consequences of the chaotic 2021 pullout, with critics demanding accountability for both the leak and the handling of Afghan allies.