Cybercrime Squad detectives have charged a registered nurse following an investigation into an alleged data breach.
On Wednesday 22 July 2026, police received a report that a NSW Health employee had accessed and downloaded patient data without authorisation.
Detectives attached to State Crime Command's Cybercrime Squad were notified and commenced an investigation under Strike Force Civic.
Following inquiries, strike force detectives executed a search warrant at a home in Frenchs Forest about 7.30pm on Thursday 23 July 2026.
Detectives seized several electronic devices which they will allege contains details of patients.
A 59-year-old man - who is employed by the Northern Sydney Local Health District - was arrested and taken to Manly Police Station where he was charged with access/modify restricted data held in computer.
He was granted conditional bail to appear at Manly Local Court on Wednesday 19 August 2026.
Commander of Cybercrime Squad, Detective Superintendent Matt Craft said as soon as NSW Health identified the breach, they alerted police, enabling Cybercrime Squad detectives to respond proactively.
"The moment NSW Health alerted us to this breach; Cybercrime Squad detectives acted swiftly to seize the devices and recover the data" Det Supt Craft said.
"These devices are now being examined by specialists to determine whether there has been any further sharing of the data.
"Initial inquiries indicate the data - while being accessed illegally - appears have been contained to the individual.
"Incidents such as this alleged access represents a clear breach of professional and community trust, and it will be treated with the utmost seriousness.
"NSW Police will continue to work collaboratively with NSW Health," Det Supt Craft said.
Anyone with information that may assist investigations into cybercrime activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
