Investigators expect significant developments in the coming weeks regarding classified documents found at a prison guard’s home in early April, containing sensitive information relating to the Central Prisons and other government services.
Criminal Investigation Department (CID) officers are examining the case with extreme confidentiality, having collected numerous statements from individuals both inside and outside the prison system, according to sources.
The investigation has revealed that documents found in boxes at the guard’s residence originated from three distinct sources: the Police, the Ministry of Justice (including communications to a former minister), and the Central Prisons administration.
Sources told philenews that some recovered items were original letters sent by various directors or commanders to the Chief of Police on confidential or classified service matters.
These documents should have been stored in police archives rather than at a prison guard’s private residence.
The fact that original documents were found significantly narrows the circle of suspects who had access to them, as the Police Chief designates specific individuals with clearance to handle correspondence addressed to them.
Investigators have begun calling individuals who sent letters to former Police Chiefs to identify their correspondence, while former Chiefs of Police are expected to be summoned for statements.
Former Justice Ministers addressed in the documents will also be questioned about the filing procedures.
Investigators are focusing on a limited number of Central Prisons staff suspected of helping move the voluminous material out of the facility for unknown reasons.
They have gathered evidence regarding when and how the archives were removed, and are examining duty rosters for the period when documents were allegedly taken from the prison.
Guards stationed in watchtowers who may have witnessed suspicious movements will also be questioned.
The case was uncovered during an investigation into a separate matter involving allegations that a shop was operating in a specific prison wing with the same guard’s knowledge. The guard is currently facing charges related to that case.
Authorities are investigating potential offences including abuse of power, breach of official secrecy, violation of data protection laws, theft by a public official, and illegal possession of property.
