Blackmail charge after major data breach

The state’s cybercrime squad detectives authorised the arrest of the 46-year-old, who police did not identify, after investigating the trove of information garnered from drivers licences used at clubs and venues statewide.

On Wednesday, police were alerted to a website which had published the personal information of NSW residents, including names and home addresses. The investigation was done in conjunction with other state and federal bodies.

Police arrested the man on Thursday afternoon
Police arrested the man on Thursday afternoon

The Sydney man was arrested around 4.20pm on Thursday in Fairfield West, before being taken to to Fairfield Police Station and charged with demand with menaces intend obtain gain/cause loss.

The blackmail accused was granted bail and is slated to appear at Fairfield Local Court on Friday 12 June 2024.

The breach involved IT group Outabox, whose services for various hospitality venues left the private data of more than one million Australians at risk of being exploited.

Information was posted to haveibeenoutaboxed.com after the breach was first reported on Tuesday evening.

Affected venues include Club Old Bar, Breakers Country Club in Wamberal, Bulahdelah Bowling Club, Club Terrigal, Merivale hospitality group and more.