Queensland data security breach exposes data of thousands as man hacks into multiple financial service offices

Thousands of Queensland residents could be victims of a serious data breach after a man allegedly broke into multiple financial service offices across the state, stealing sensitive personal and financial information, 9News has learned.

According to court documents obtained by 9News, Joseph Kelly, a man in his 30s, has been charged in connection with a string of break-ins that targeted Mortgage Choice branches and an ITP Tax office between Monday and Wednesday of this week.

Police allege Kelly broke into five locations, three on the Gold Coast, one in Logan, and one in Ipswich, and stole computers and filing cabinets. He is accused of transferring large volumes of confidential client data onto his own encrypted device.

What was stolen?

Authorities believe the compromised data may include:

• Driver’s licences
• Passport information
• Payslips
• Mortgage applications

While the full scope of the breach is still being determined, ITP Queensland says it has already contacted 64 affected clients. Mortgage Choice is continuing to investigate how much of its customers' information has been compromised.

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has confirmed that its own systems have not been compromised, despite links to tax offices being targeted.

Criminal charges

Kelly has been charged not only with the break-ins but also with possession of dangerous drugs and attempted unlawful entry at another office in Robina.

Police sources say separate fraud charges may be filed for each individual whose information was stolen, potentially numbering in the hundreds or thousands.

He has been remanded in custody, and the case is scheduled to return to Southport Magistrates Court next Monday.