In 2015, Operation Northmoor officers – the Royal Military Police’s investigation into allegations of unlawful killing by Special Forces in Afghanistan – decided it was necessary to forensically recover an IT System from the Higher Headquarters of Special Forces. For the purpose of proceedings, the server is referred to as ‘ITS1’ (IT Server 1).
The Inquiry held a week of OPEN hearings in December 2023 where the Chair heard statements from:
- N5859 – An officer in UKSF involved in information systems
- N5857 – An infrastructure engineer contractor
- N5858 – Manager of N5857, an infrastructure engineer contractor
- N1805 – An officer within the British Army. The witness statement is read by Rosheen Iyer, a member of the Inquiry team.
- N2311 – An officer in UKSF. The witness statement is read by Jonathan Polnay, a member of the Inquiry team.
- N5595 – An officer in UKSF.
- IIA50 – An officer in UKSF. The witness statement is read by Rosheen Iyer, a member of the Inquiry team.
- Jim Priddin – A retired Warrant Officer Class Two from the Royal Military Police.
The Inquiry published a statement regarding ITS1 on 29 May 2025. In summary, the Inquiry, with the independent support of the Defence Serious Crime Command, seized drives containing terabytes of ITS1 data from UKSF locations. Following this, a phased, methodical and sophisticated approach was been taken by the Inquiry team to explore technical options and allow a forensic examination of the relevant data:
Phase 1 – The creation of a forensically secure master copy and a working copy of a back-up drive to preserve the integrity of the material.
Phase 2 – Identification of appropriate IT systems, a secure location and suitably qualified and vetted personnel to examine the material.
Phase 3 – The analytical examination and review of material that is relevant to the Inquiry’s Terms of Reference.
The Inquiry has now begun Phase 3.
Transcripts
Monday 4 December 2023 Transcript
Tuesday 05 December 2023 Transcript
Wednesday 06 December 2023 Transcript
YouTube Recordings
Witness Statement, N5859 and N5857 – 4 December 2023 – Morning recording
Witness Statement, N5859 and N5857 – 4 December 2023 – Afternoon recording
Witness Statement, N5858, Jim Pridden and N1805 – 5 December 2023 – Morning recording
Witness Statement, N5858, Jim Pridden and N1805 – 5 December 2023 – Afternoon recording
Witness Statement, N2311, N5595, IIA50 – 6 December 2023 – Morning recording
Evidence
Witness Statement of N5859
Exhibit 7 RMP- 221-0001153-A
Exhibit 6 RMP-221-0001152-A
Exhibit 4 MOD-221-1216-A
Exhibit 3 Exhibit MOD -221-0001215-A
Witness Statement of N5858
Exhibit N5858-3
Witness Statement of N1805
Exhibit 42 – N1805 – MOD-198-0004150
Witness Statement from James Priddin
Exhibit 31 MOD-198-0000733-A
Exhibit 29 MOD-198-0002441-A
Exhibit 28 MOD-198-0002440-A
Exhibit 27 MOD-198-0002434-A
Exhibit 26 MOD -198-0001858-A
Exhibit 24 RMP-221-0001153-A
Exhibit 21 RMP-221-0000045-A
Exhibit 20 RMP-221-0001152-A
Exhibit 19 RMP-221-0000021-A
Exhibit 18 MOD-198-0002383-A
Exhibit 17 MOD – 198 – 0001453-A
Witness Statement of N5857
Exhibit N5857-1
Exhibit N5857-2
Exhibit N5857-3
Witness Statement – N2311 – dated 26.05.2023
Witness Statement – N2311 – dated 09.09.2023
Witness Statement of N5595
Exhibit 44 – N5595 – MOD-198-0004158
Exhibit 45 MOD-221-0001263-A
Exhibit 2 – MOD 221 – 0001161 – A
Restriction Orders
ITS1 December 2023 Restriction Order
Restriction Order – 5 December 2023
Restriction Order – 5 December 2023 – 2