The Ministry of Defence is investigating the theft of two Special Forces C8 rifles, 500 bullets, and hundreds of laptops, computers, and USBs last year.
Two Special Forces rifles, 500 bullets, and hundreds of laptops, computers, and USBs went missing from the Ministry of Defence last year, according to new data obtained through a Freedom of Information request. The powerful C8 Rifles, believed to be used by the Special Air Service (SAS) and Special Boat Service (SBS) in close combat, were lost between January and December 2024.
The weapons are thought to have been used by the Royal Military Police in close protection work and the special forces in room clearing operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. More than 560 ‘explosive munitions’, including nearly 100 bullets used by the rifles, were also classed as ‘lost or stolen’ during the same period. Six deactivated rifles worth thousands of pounds were also stolen from the MOD last year. These included a mid-20th century Self-Loading Rifle, currently on sale for as much as £1,900, and a Lee-Enfield Rifle, first produced in 1892 and used by the British Army in both World War I and II, which goes for as much as £1,600. Firearms and weaponry consultant David Dyson said if the weapons fell into the wrong hands it could ‘create havoc’. Although he doesn't have any confirmable information on where the rifles were used, he thinks they could have been used wherever the SAS were deployed. ‘If they were lost during an operation, that might be a bit more understandable than if they were lost in the UK.’ The MOD declined to comment on where the rifles were lost, but said that it takes the ‘security of defence assets extremely seriously.’ Hundreds of electronic devices, including 125 laptops, 25 computers and 140 USBs were also lost or stolen from the MOD last year. In June alone, 84 laptops, 7 USBs and 5 computers were either stolen or missing. An MOD spokesperson said: ‘We take the security of defence assets extremely seriously and have robust policies and procedures to prevent losses and thefts. ‘If any assets are reported lost or missing due to suspected criminal activity, we take the necessary steps to investigate, prosecute and recover the items.
MILITARY EQUIPMENT THEFT UK MINISTRY OF DEFENCE SPECIAL FORCES C8 RIFLE LAPTOPS COMPUTERS Usbs
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Former Ministry of Defence Site Sold for Housing DevelopmentA former Ministry of Defence site on the Wirral has been sold to Northstone Development Limited for housing development.
Read more »
Nato urges UK to increase defence spending, as military bosses reveal concern about UK air defenceNato is demanding the UK increase spending amid fear that the country could be vulnerable to ballistic missile strikes.
Read more »
Army Special Forces Soldier Killed in Tesla Cybertruck Explosion Outside Trump HotelA 37-year-old active-duty army soldier, Matthew Livelsberger, is believed to have died in a Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside a Trump hotel on New Year's Day. Authorities suspect a self-inflicted gunshot wound and are investigating the incident as a possible terror attack.
Read more »
British Special Forces Accused of War Crimes in AfghanistanAn inquiry into alleged war crimes by British special forces in Afghanistan has heard disturbing claims from soldiers who express concerns about the killing of unarmed Afghans during raids against suspected Taliban insurgents. Claims include the use of 'dropped weapons' to make targets appear armed and a culture of impunity within UK special forces.
Read more »
UK Special Forces Whistleblower Fears Being Branded 'Traitor' for Afghan AllegationsA member of UK special forces who reported alleged 'flat-packing' murders of civilians in Afghanistan has expressed concerns about being labeled a traitor for coming forward. The Afghanistan Inquiry has conducted closed hearings where special forces members have provided evidence about these alleged murders between 2010 and 2013. A whistleblower, known as N1799, stated he participated in training with a member of the accused unit, UKSF1, and allegedly heard about events during operations. N1799's account contradicts statements made by commanding officers months earlier, claiming UKSF operates within the law.
Read more »
UK Special Forces Accused of War Crimes and 'Code of Silence' in AfghanistanA public inquiry investigating alleged war crimes by UK special forces in Afghanistan has heard accusations of a 'golden pass' allowing them to get away with murder and a 'code of silence' preventing soldiers from speaking out.
Read more »