Taliban target Afghan ex-policeman after UK data breach and asylum denial

A former member of Afghanistan's elite police force

A former member of Afghanistan's elite police force has been threatened by the Taliban following a British government data breach and the rejection of his resettlement bid, leaving him in a state of constant dread.

The man, identified here as Hamid to protect his safety, served with the Afghan National Police's special unit. His service was formally recognized with certificates endorsed by senior British officials, who lauded his "dedication, unparalleled service and leadership." Yet, when he sought refuge in the UK, his application was turned down.

In 2022, a Ministry of Defence employee inadvertently leaked a document containing the personal details of 18,700 Afghans who had assisted British forces or the UK government. Hamid's information was among those exposed, making him a prime target for Taliban retribution.

Since the leak, Hamid has received direct threats

Since the leak, Hamid has received direct threats from Taliban operatives, who have made clear they know of his past role. The constant fear of reprisal has upended his life, forcing him into hiding and severing ties with his community.

The UK's refusal to grant him resettlement, despite his years of loyal service and the heightened risk he now faces, has left him in a perilous limbo. His case highlights the broader plight of many Afghan interpreters and police officers who risked their lives to support Western operations, only to be left vulnerable as the Taliban consolidates power.

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson expressed regret over the data breach, stating that steps have been taken to prevent similar incidents, but declined to comment on individual resettlement cases. For Hamid, however, official apologies offer little comfort as he navigates a life shadowed by danger, with no clear path to safety.