To bolster its security for computer systems and identify what information has been exposed, the AFP has stated it is currently working with its international partners to help Colombian law enforcement.
In a statement on Friday, an AFP spokesman said they were concerned about “possible breaches” of operational security as a consequence of this data compromise.
“The AFP is working with our partners in impacted regions to mitigate any potential threats to the safety of people, or ongoing investigations,” The AFP spokesman added.
Cooperation with Colombian law enforcement agencies had prevented large amounts of drug importations entering Australia, according to the AFP spokesman, which had disrupted drug cartels.
In an interview with Seven’s Sunrise, Senior Labor minister Jason Clare stated the data breach was serious.
“We all know about Colombian drug cartels and their tentacles stretched out right across the world, including here in Australia, where you’ve got criminals working with them,” Minister Clare said.
About 70 per cent of Australia’s serious and organised crime threats are based offshore or have strong international links.
According to the AAP, the AFP was involved in 266 international disruption operations that stopped drugs from reaching Australian shores in the 2021-22 financial year.
[Related: Aussie payment data among 1.2m credit card details leaked on dark web]
Want to see more stories from trusted news sources?Make Cyber Daily a preferred news source on Google.