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Laptop with classified data stolen
IAF officer leaves base with computer containing classified information, which later disappears after he leaves it unattended; Military Police launch investigation into affair, but security officials fear the computer may reach hostile hands
A laptop computer containing classified information was stolen from a senior Israel Air Force officer a few weeks ago. The affair was cleared for publication Thursday following a request by Ynet.
Military Police launched an investigation into the matter, but the computer has not been retrieved as of yet.
The incident raises serious questions regarding the lack of responsibility demonstrated by a senior officer with confidential information in his possession.
At present, it is known that the officer left an IAF base in the center of Israel and made his way towards the north of the country with the computer, which later disappeared after he left it unattended.
Immediately after it was reported stolen, Military Police launched an investigation and the officer was called in for questioning.
'A lack of responsibility'
A decision regarding whether to file an indictment against the officer is currently being deliberated by military prosecution.
However, an IDF official familiar with the affair told Ynet - without divulging the contents of the stolen computer or the ramifications of its disappearance - that "the apparent behavior of the officer showed a lack of responsibility, to put it mildly."
Meanwhile, Military Police have launched an additional security inquiry in a bid to locate the computer. The primary fear among security officials is that the computer, even if stolen for criminal purposes, will eventually be obtained by a hostile party.
In response to the affair, IAF Commander-in-Chief Major-General Eliezer Shakedi has forbidden all officers from removing laptops from air force bases until further notice.
The IDF issued an official statement saying, "the incident is under Military Police investigation. Following its conclusion, all material will be transferred to the prosecution for examination."
