A serving PSNI officer has been suspended pending the outcome of criminal proceedings related to alleged fraud following a pay-out under the Universal Offer Scheme as part of costs incurred for safety measures after the massive data breach.
Kaelum Lappin (26) whose address was given as PSNI Headquarters at Knock Road in Belfast is facing a charge of fraud by abuse of position following the catastrophic data breach in August 2023.
According to court papers on dates between 30 January 2024 and 29 January 2025, whilst occupying a position in which he was expected to safeguard, or not to act against, the financial interests of his employer, he dishonestly abused his position by applying for and received £500 under the PSNI Universal Offer Scheme.
The cash was reimbursement for what Lappin purportedly paid out for security equipment, but he had allegedly cancelled this and received a refund on 28 December 2023.
It is alleged Lappin did not declare this to the PSNI with the intention to cause loss.
A defence barrister told Craigavon Magistrates Court the charge is denied.
The case was adjourned until 3 September when a contest date is to be fixed.
When asked to clarify Lappin’s current employment status a PSNI spokesperson confirmed, “The officer is suspended pending the outcome of criminal and misconduct proceedings”.
The PSNI introduced the scheme offering £500 to all officers and staff affected by the data breach in August 2023, caused by the accidental release of employee information.
The personal data of 9,483 officers and staff was disclosed online for two hours in August 2023 in response to a Freedom of Information request made by a member of the public.
The scheme was specifically intended to help officers and staff take practical steps around their security and reassurance in the wake of the highly sensitive information disclosure.
All were offered £500 to be spent on upgrading their personal security with the majority of applications accepted.
However in February it emerged two officers had been arrested as part of a fraud probe into the scheme after the Anti-Corruption Unit launched an investigation.
The officers were later released on bail.
