Queensland Police has launched an investigation into one of their officers over allegations of hacking.
The unnamed officer from the Ethical Standards Command has now been stood down from official duty with the force pending an investigation into allegations of unauthorised access to confidential information.
The police officer has been served with a notice to appear alleging one charge pursuant to section 408E, computer hacking and misuse, of the Criminal Code and will be due to appear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on 25 July.
“In keeping with our commitment to high standards of behaviour, transparency and accountability, we have undertaken to inform the public when an officer faces serious allegations of misconduct,” Queensland Police said in a statement. “This does not mean the allegations against the officer have been substantiated.”
Queensland Police added that the officer would continue to perform "non-operational" duties while the investigation remains underway.
Queensland Police could not be reached for further comment.
Last month, a former Sydney IT consultant was jailed for three years for engaging in insider trading after gaining unauthorised access to a stock tip publisher's network.
Steven Oakes was charged in May 2018 with 115 offences for allegedly accessing the Wi-Fi network of the Melbourne-based financial publisher Port Phillip Publishing (PPP) with the "intention of using the information to engage in insider trading".
He was sentenced by Melbourne County Court on 25 June and ordered that he be released after serving 18 months.
Oakes pleaded guilty to a total of 11 charges for insider trading, unauthorised access to data with the intention to commit a serious offence (insider trading) and the alteration of electronic devices required by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
