UPDATE: Kaiser Permanente has just disbanded an eight-person security team across California amid serious allegations of illegal data access from a confidential law enforcement database. The shocking development comes after a whistleblower revealed that the team’s leader, Khyber Mangal, allegedly obtained sensitive information from the California Law Enforcement Telecom System (CLETS).
The scandal has escalated quickly, significantly expanding the scope of Kaiser’s security personnel involved. This includes the termination of several employees, notably Craig Chew, the national director of corporate security, who was dismissed following the allegations. According to internal police records, Mangal, a veteran of the Oakland Police Department, is under investigation for improperly accessing the CLETS database, which contains personal criminal histories and driving records.
The whistleblower, Rhonda Injejikian, a retired police lieutenant, reported the misconduct in fall 2024, stating that the head of the security team presented information that could only stem from CLETS. The fallout from these accusations led to the firing of at least eight employees, with five from Northern California, as confirmed by Injejikian.
The Alameda County District Attorney’s office has declined to file criminal charges against Mangal, citing “insufficient evidence.” Assistant District Attorney Casey Bates noted that due to the complexities involved in such cases, prosecutions are rare. “It can be very difficult for prosecutors to bring cases against this,” Bates explained.
In addition to Mangal, other terminated personnel include former police officers and security consultants from both Northern and Southern California. The potential for defamation lawsuits is looming, with the attorney for Chew and others preparing legal action against Kaiser, asserting that none of the terminated employees conducted illegal searches.
Kaiser Permanente has stated its commitment to security and ethical standards, emphasizing that it takes allegations of misconduct seriously. “We are committed to fully complying with all applicable laws and regulations,” the organization said in a public statement.
The scandal traces back to a meeting on October 22, 2024, when concerns were raised over a man making threats to Kaiser staff. Chew’s background check on the individual raised alarms, as the information was not accessible through public databases. Injejikian’s report to the Oakland police triggered a criminal inquiry, revealing that Mangal allegedly conducted CLETS searches on at least nine individuals linked to Kaiser’s security operations.
The implications of these findings are significant, highlighting potential misuse of sensitive data that could compromise patient and public safety. As the investigation continues, community members and health care professionals are left grappling with the fallout of this scandal.
NEXT: Watch for updates on the ongoing investigations and potential legal actions involving Kaiser Permanente and the implicated personnel. The integrity of the CLETS database remains a critical issue, with experts emphasizing the importance of adhering to legal protocols to maintain public trust.
Stay tuned for more breaking news as this story develops.
