UPDATE: Kaiser Permanente has disbanded an eight-person security team spanning from Oakland to Los Angeles following serious allegations of illegal access to a confidential law enforcement database. Recent internal police records and whistleblower testimonies have revealed shocking details about the misuse of sensitive information, prompting immediate action from the healthcare giant.
The scandal erupted after a whistleblower, Rhonda Injejikian, a retired police lieutenant, reported that the head of the security team, Khyber Mangal, presented data sourced from the California Law Enforcement Telecom System (CLETS). This database contains residents’ criminal histories and driving records, and it’s illegal to use it for non-law enforcement purposes. The investigation was initiated in fall 2024 when concerns were raised about inappropriate threats made to Kaiser staff.
According to an October 22, 2024 internal report, Mangal allegedly accessed the CLETS database to run checks on at least nine individuals connected to Kaiser’s security operations. Notably, the Alameda County District Attorney’s office has confirmed that there was “insufficient evidence” to pursue criminal charges against Mangal, despite the serious nature of the allegations.
Kaiser’s internal investigation has resulted in the dismissal of at least eight employees, including Craig Chew, the national director of corporate security, who was removed from his position. “There was insufficient evidence to corroborate that a crime had been committed,” stated Assistant District Attorney Casey Bates. Chew’s termination signals a broader commitment from Kaiser to address misconduct within its ranks.
Injejikian, who played a pivotal role in exposing the issue, expressed her concerns about the implications of the illegal data access. During a meeting, Chew revealed sensitive background checks, including alarming details about a man who threatened staff, data that should not have been accessible without appropriate authorization. Following her whistleblower report, Oakland police launched an inquiry that has since raised alarms about the integrity of Kaiser’s security practices.
Kaiser Permanente has stated its commitment to upholding high ethical standards and complying with all applicable laws. “We take matters of security and inappropriate behavior among our staff seriously,” the organization said in an official statement, highlighting their dedication to investigating claims of wrongdoing.
In Southern California, three additional security personnel, including former law enforcement officers, were also terminated. An attorney representing these individuals is preparing to file a defamation lawsuit against Kaiser, claiming that the terminations were unjustified and detrimental to their careers.
The implications of this scandal reach far beyond Kaiser, raising questions about the access and use of law enforcement databases by private security teams. As Dave Maass, director of investigations at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, noted, maintaining the integrity of the CLETS database is crucial. “Once you start ignoring the rules, everything starts falling apart,” he emphasized.
With ongoing investigations and potential legal battles on the horizon, the fallout from this scandal is still unfolding. Kaiser Permanente’s proactive measures signal a significant shift in its security protocols, but the broader ramifications for those involved remain to be seen.
Stay tuned for more updates as this situation develops.
