November 22, 2024, 5:39 p.m

The National Crime Agency has launched an investigation into a massive leak of prison layouts online, amid fears they could be used to help prisoners escape.

Emergency measures have reportedly been taken at several prisons across the UK after detailed prison plans were leaked on the dark web.

The plans, which include sensor and camera placements, are believed to have been uncovered by organized crime groups.

It is believed that the scheme was released online to aid in drug smuggling and prison escapes.

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Prison workers were sent a “security alert” to warn them of the leak earlier this month, according to The Times.

According to the publication, staff were told that perimeters, interior fences and other security measures could be compromised after the leak.

The email sent to workers, seen by the Times, warned that the public may have seen the leaked plans and said they could be used by people “trying to bring items into the facility/assist in an escape” into or out of a prison .

The Ministry of Justice reportedly confirmed that the leak had taken place, but declined to comment further.

A government spokesman said: “We do not comment on security matters.”

Reacting to the leak, former prison governor and counter-terrorism expert Ian Acheson said: “If plans for high security prisons have been leaked, co-ordinating that with open source material or Google maps could help an escape after an attack on the exterior of the prison. Much more plausible is that use additional data to coordinate drone strikes.

“But if you can deliver half a kilo of drugs via drone, you can deliver weapons, explosives, whatever. These places are wide open.”

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It comes after LBC gained exclusive insight from Sarah*, a long-serving employee at HMP Wandsworth, who reveals shocking details about life in one of Britain’s most troubled prisons.

She describes an out-of-control environment where self-harm is used by prisoners as a “negotiation tool”, vulnerable inmates are used as drug “guinea pigs” and gross violence is common.

The situation in Wandsworth has been of national concern, particularly after the alleged high-profile escape of terror suspect Daniel Khalife a year ago, which sparked a two-day manhunt. Since then, pressure on the UK prison system has intensified, with concerns about capacity and security at an all-time high.

HMP Wandsworth has repeatedly been flagged as being of serious concern by authorities.

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Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Prisons, Charlie Taylor, says conditions at Wandsworth mean the prison is failing to prevent prisoners from re-offending. I spoke to Sarah, who lifts the lid on what it’s really like in one of England’s most troubled prisons.

Despite efforts by the Ministry of Justice to improve the prison estate, Sarah paints a bleak picture.

According to her, “The problem is that there is no police in the prisons because there is no staff… they (prisoners) are like caged animals.” She explains that many prisoners remain locked in their cells for up to 24 hours a day and are only let out briefly for food or medicine.

Those who seek psychological help, she says, are often the most mentally ill and psychotic, while others are left to fend for themselves.