Security News > 2020 > November > I'll give you my passwords if you investigate police corruption, accused missile systems leaker told cops
A former BAE Systems engineer accused of failing to hand over his device passwords to Merseyside Police vowed not to give them up until a watchdog investigated his allegations that police workers had perverted the course of justice, the Old Bailey heard.
Finch is accused, as previously reported, of failing to hand over his passwords to police on demand - a crime in the UK - and of revealing secrets about a UK missile system to various foreign countries and other individuals, contrary to the Official Secrets Act.
Finch claims the same police force previously refused to take his reports of homophobic assaults seriously and that his mistreatment at the police station was retaliation for his having pursued complaints against the force to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.
The court heard on Friday that he also said he would "Rather do the extra five years in prison" for refusing to give police workers passwords to his computers and smartphones.
Failing to give your password to police is a criminal offence under section 49 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act.