London police suspect anti-terror hotline hacked

LONDON — London’s Metropolitan Police said Thursday it is investigating whether conversations on its Anti-Terrorist Hotline had been recorded by hackers.

“We are aware of an issue whereby hoaxers have made calls to the Anti-Terrorist Hotline and have made recordings of their conversations with Anti-Terrorist Hotline staff,” the force said in a statement. “In addition, recordings have been made of conversations between Metropolitan Police Service Anti-Terrorist Hotline staff.”

It added that the Anti-Terrorist Hotline remains operational and that an investigation into the matter is being led by the e-Crime Unit.

The statement came after a hacktivist group posted what appeared to be recordings on YouTube and claimed responsibility on Twitter for “terrorizing” the Anti-Terrorist unit.

The hotline is provided for the public to report any suspicions of terrorist activity.