A database containing contact details of 170,000 workers of controversial oil giant Royal Dutch Shell has been emailed to campaigning groups opposed to the companys activities.
Seven non-governmental groups including human rights groups and environmental campaigners such as Greenpeace plus anti-Shell campaigning website royaldutchshellplc.com received the database, which is thought to have been sent by a disaffected former employee of the company.
Many of those groups are upset at the way Shell is purported to be operating in some countries, particularly Nigeria.
The database is thought to contain names, telephone numbers and further details on permanent and contract employees. A lengthy covering letter was attached to the database, purporting to be from more than 100 Shell staff.
Shell has demanded that the activists delete the database.
Shell said it has already launched an investigation, and argues that the breach does not pose a security risk. It could provide no further comment at the time of writing.
If it is found that Shell is guilty of an offence under the Data Protection Act, it could be fined.
The Information Commissioners Office (ICO) the UKs data watchdog said it takes breaches affecting individuals personal data very seriously.
A spokesperson for the ICO said: Shell has notified us of a security breach regarding a significant amount of peoples personal details. We are looking into how this data breach occurred and will decide what, if any regulatory action, is required.
Shell if it is found guilty may escape lightly. Fines levied by the ICO for failing to protect against the loss of personal data tend to be under £5,000.
It is ironic timing. In two months, new rules are set to be introduced which will mean companies could be fined up to £500,000 if they are reckless with personal information.
The leaked database is about six months old, implying that ex-employees may have been involved. Shell cut 5,000 jobs last year.
This website and sisters royaldutchshellplc.com, shellnazihistory.com, royaldutchshell.website, johndonovan.website, and shellnews.net, are owned by John Donovan. There is also a Wikipedia segment.
Royal Dutch Shell conspired directly with Hitler, financed the Nazi Party, was anti-Semitic and sold out its own Dutch Jewish employees to the Nazis. Shell had a close relationship with the Nazis during and after the reign of Sir Henri Deterding, an ardent Nazi, and the founder and decades long leader of the Royal Dutch Shell Group. His burial ceremony, which had all the trappings of a state funeral, was held at his private estate in Mecklenburg, Germany. The spectacle (photographs below) included a funeral procession led by a horse drawn funeral hearse with senior Nazis officials and senior Royal Dutch Shell directors in attendance, Nazi salutes at the graveside, swastika banners on display and wreaths and personal tributes from Adolf Hitler and Reichsmarschall, Hermann Goring. Deterding was an honored associate and supporter of Hitler and a personal friend of Goring.
Deterding was the guest of Hitler during a four day summit meeting at Berchtesgaden. Sir Henri and Hitler both had ambitions on Russian oil fields. Only an honored personal guest would be rewarded with a private four day meeting at Hitler’s mountain top retreat.
IN JULY 2007, MR BILL CAMPBELL (ABOVE, A RETIRED GROUP AUDITOR OF SHELL INTERNATIONAL SENT AN EMAIL TO EVERY UK MP AND MEMBER OF THE HOUSE OF LORDS: 
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A head-cut image of Alfred Donovan (now deceased) appears courtesy of The Wall Street Journal.
