[Dataloss] FBI announces VA laptop recovery

[Richard Forno]

Baltimore Division
Office of Public Affairs
 

PRESS RELEASE 
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:  SA Michelle Crnkovich
Thursday, June 29, 2006
410-277-6223
 
 
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL (OIG), THE
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION, AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT
ANNOUNCE THE RECOVERY OF THE STOLEN LAPTOP AND EXTERNAL HARD DRIVE
 
Baltimore, Maryland ­ The Veterans Administration OIG, the Federal Bureau of
Investigation, and the Montgomery County Police Department today announce
the recovery of the stolen laptop computer, and the external hard drive,
taken in a burglary on May 3, 2006.  The electronic equipment contained
sensitive information concerning over 26 million veterans, and the recovery
of the data has been of paramount concern.  The protection of the sensitive
data, and well being of those potentially affected, have made this
investigation the number one priority for the investigating agencies.  A
preliminary review of the equipment by computer forensic teams has
determined that the data base remains intact and has not been accessed since
it was stolen.  A thorough forensic examination is underway, and the results
will be shared as soon as possible. The investigation is ongoing.
 
The Veterans Administration OIG, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the
Montgomery County Police Department would like to thank the United States
Park Police for their invaluable work in this case. Their efforts led to the
recovery of the equipment.
 
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Call Baltimore FBI for any additional information
 
SSA Richard J. Kolko, FBI
Unit Chief, National Press Office
Office of Public Affairs
202.324.8785 Desk
202.324.3691 Office Switchboard
Blackberry email
richard.kolko at ic.fbi.gov