14 DAY TRIAL // Japan is dealing with a very serious and reputation damaging security breach after sensitive documents containing counter-terrorism intelligence were leaked onto the Internet recently.
Over one hundred files with data about terrorism investigations, suspects and informants, some of which believed to be shared by foreign agencies, are currently being distributed on file sharing networks.
Even though there is no official confirmation, there are strong indications that the documents were extracted from the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department's (MPD) Public Security Bureau.
Along with with it's national counterpart the Public Security Intelligence Agency (PSIA), the Public Security Bureau (PSB) is tasked with protecting national security.
The PSB is a very secretive organization, which employs employs over 2,000 police officers. In many ways it is the Japanese equivalent of the British MI5.
The incident has been strongly criticized in the local media, because it can seriously hurt relationships with foreign security agencies, which entrusted the Public Security Bureau with sensitive information.
The well being of informants can also be at risk, if the terrorist organizations they are connected to learn of their collaboration with authorities.
According to Mainichi Daily News, the leaked data includes photographs, personal details and surveillance notes for people currently under investigation.
There is also a list of individuals who frequent mosques in Japan, as well as account records for people working within foreign embassies.
Information about counter-terrorism training and investigation procedures shared by the FBI is also said to be contained in the exposed documents.
"Confidentiality is a given for information handled by the MPD's third foreign affairs division," commented a former police officer familiar with counter-terrorism operations for Mainichi.
"Overseas security bodies will have to become cautious about providing information, and this may also affect the approach to APEC," he added.
The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit will be held in Yokohama on November 13 and 14. A number of 21 foreign government leaders are expected to attend.