In connection with another ongoing investigation by the detective department, the suspect contacted the police on Thursday, February 12, because he possessed images that might be relevant to that investigation. The officer who communicated with the man decided to send a link allowing the man to upload the images. Due to a mistake, a download link was sent instead of an upload link, giving the man the ability to download confidential police documents.
The man decided to download the files. The police instructed him to stop and delete the files. The man stated he would only stop and relinquish them if he got something in return. Therefore, the police decided to arrest the man and seize his data carriers to secure the files and prevent dissemination.
Computer trespass
If you receive a download link when you know you should have received an upload link, are clearly told not to download, but choose to download the files anyway, you may be guilty of computer trespass. The recipient can reasonably assume that the download link and the files shared through it are not intended for them.
The police have no indication that the files have been further disseminated. The data breach protocol is being followed. The police are conducting further investigation.