NSW public servant is accused of massive data breach after allegedly accessing more than 5,600 sensitive government files

By NICHOLAS COMINO, POLITICAL REPORTER, AUSTRALIA Published: 06:08, 21 April 2026 | Updated: 06:27, 21 April 2026 A NSW Treasury official has been charged after being accused of illegally downloading thousands of sensitive government files. Jagan Ganti Venkata Satya, 45, was charged with access/modify restricted data held in computer after allegedly accessing more than 5,600 documents. A NSW Police spokesman said: 'Following inquiries, about 1.30pm yesterday (Monday 20 April 2026) strike force detectives arrested a 45-year-old man in Sydney's CBD, who was taken to Day Street Police Station. 'About 6.45pm yesterday, detectives executed a search warrant at a home in Homebush West, allegedly seizing electronic devices including a hard drive. 'Police believe all the alleged stolen data has been located and secured and there was no external compromise to the agency's system.' The 45-year-old was granted bail and will front court on June 3.  The worker has been suspended without pay.  NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey thanked police and the cyber security department for their 'rapid actions'. NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey (right) thanked police and cyber security for their 'rapid actions' 'The files cover multiple NSW Government departments and projects,' he said during a press conference on Tuesday. 'NSW Treasury reported the matter to NSW Police on Sunday. Police then launched an investigation under Stike Force Civic, leading to criminal charges overnight. 'The NSW Chief Cyber Security Officer is currently coordinating the government's whole-of-agency response, as per the State's cyber security plan.  'There is no current impact to any NSW Government service.' Mookhey said the 'volume of documents is large and it will take time to determine the full scope'.  'It is serious. It covers commercial‑in‑confidence material relating to current and past government negotiations,' he said. Mookhey was asked by a reporter if the alleged breach had raised concerns about 'broader cybersecurity weaknesses'. 'Cyber risk is increasing globally,' he responded. 'Government, business and individuals are all affected.  'While I believe NSW has a strong cybersecurity framework, incidents like this demand constant vigilance and adjustment. 'Every incident requires review and improvement of our systems.' Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.