Interception
What interception means
Interception means the interception of communication in the course of its transmission via a postal service or telecommunications system such as telephone or email, so as to make it available to a third party.
The law permits interception of communications by law enforcement and intelligence agencies in tightly controlled circumstances in the interests of national security, preventing or detecting serious crime or safeguarding the economic well-being of the UK. Read the Interception code of practice
Roughly 1,800 intercept warrants are authorised a year. (Source: Report of the Independent Surveillance Commissioner for 2004.)
Interception is a vital intelligence tool against terrorism and serious crime
In 2003, interception led to:
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seizure of 26 tonnes of illicit drugs
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seizure of 34 tonnes of Class A drugs bound for Europe and the US
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seizure of 10 tonnes of illicit tobacco
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detection of financial crime proceeds totalling £390m
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1,680 arrests with a conviction rate exceeding 80%
Intercept as evidence
Intercepted material cannot be used as evidence in the UK . This helps protect the close and effective co-operation between law enforcement and intelligence agencies. More about the use of intercepted material as evidence.
Explore this section:
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The circumstances under which interception can be used, and who can use it.
Interception as evidence review
The review on using intercept as evidence.
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Authorisation of warrants to intercept communications.
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CSPs may appeal to this board if they object to a warrant.
