A group that calls itself "The Internet Yiff Machine" hacked into a database belonging to a company called P3 Global Intel and stole more than 8.3 million highly sensitive records, reports Straight Arrow News. The records contain extensive personal data on people accused of crimes and some information from those providing the tips.
The article says it is not clear if the hackers will release this information to the public. However, it is clear that the hackers hold animosity toward law enforcement, leaving a note telling people “don’t do the dirty work for the pigs.”
“Investigating crime is their job, not yours. They don’t care about you, they want convictions and prisoners to fuel the for-profit prisons,” the hackers wrote.
Randy Sutton of The Wounded Blue says this is very serious.
“This hack into this system is a really, really a dangerous situation. This could literally lead to people being victims of retribution that could be life-threatening,” Sutton says.
The hackers say they stole the data because they are anti-law enforcement. But Sutton says the tips can involve criminal organizations like drug cartels, gangs and the mob, who could spend money on revenge.
“I think there's a very strong possibility that they will provide this information to people that have very evil intentions,” Sutton states.
P3 Global Intel stored data for groups like Crime Stoppers, the military, state and federal law enforcement and even public schools.
“They have now gotten really personal records of people who have made tips and given information to a whole slew of different agencies, including Crime Stoppers,” Sutton states.
Sutton says unfortunately, anyone who has called a tipline or made an anonymous crime report to any of the affected agencies is on their own.
“I wish I had some advice that could mitigate the issue, but I don't. There is little that you can do to protect yourself at this point,” Sutton says.
