Police in Australia accidentally live streamed plans to arrest an alleged North Korean agent – four days before making the arrest– during a trial of new social media equipment.
The Australian Federal Police confirmed that an investigation has been launched after the accidental publication last Wednesday of a discussion about the arrest on the live video streaming app Periscope.
The embarrassing bungle occurred during plans to arrest Chan Han Choi, a South Korean man suspected of brokering arms deals on behalf of North Korea. Mr Chan, 59, was arrested in Sydney on Sunday.
An audio of the police discussion was recorded by The West Australian newspaper, before the post was deleted. The recording involved a discussion about the handling of the media following the planned arrest.
"We’re not going in all guns blazing, alright, it’s only half-a-dozen people and a forensics van," a male officer says.
Another officer refers to the likelihood that Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull and opposition leader Bill Shorten would comment on the arrest.
"We just need to recognise that the PM will be standing up at some time on Sunday to talk about Bennelong [a by-election held on Sunday], as will Shorten," the officer says.
The Australian Federal Police linked to the recording via twitter but quickly deleted the tweet. However the recording remained live until police were notified by The West Australian.
"The incident occurred when testing a piece of social media broadcasting equipment," a police spokesperson told ABC News.
“Steps have been taken to ensure such incidents will not occur again. The matter has been referred to the AFP’s security area for review. As such, no further comment will be made at this time."
At the time of the recording, police were testing the use of Periscope for media operations.
Mr Chan’s identity was not revealed in the minute-long recording. He is suspected of selling missile components and coal on the black market on behalf of North Korea.
Described by police as “a loyal agent of North Korea”, Mr Chan, who has lived in Australia for more than 30 years, was the first person to be charged under Australia’s Weapons of Mass Destruction Act.
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