Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Data Breach (2005)

A former Victorian forensic worker has admitted to leaking confidential autopsy results and details of "unusual and interesting" deaths to his friends over the past six years, an Ombudsman's report has revealed. The male technician, who resigned from his job with the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine in January, said he shared details with friends "over a beer at the pub or something" as well as emailing sensitive information to up to 15 mates. One email contained detailed and derogatory information about a person who asphyxiated while in the middle of a sexual act. A folder marked 'Homicide cases' that was found in the man's home. A folder marked 'Homicide cases' that was found in the man's home. "Thought this might tickle your 'puerile little mind'," the technician wrote to a close friend. Advertisement Also found at his home were photographs of 77 victims' remains, 49 autopsy reports on homicide victims and a scrapbook with newspaper clippings relating to cases admitted to the institute.