London, Feb 12(ANI): In an attempt to prevent illegal immigrants and terrorists to enter London during the Olympic games this year, the United Kingdom has launched an international operation, wherein more than 10,000 participants and coaches would undergo biometric scans.
Several ministers have expressed fears that in addition to the vast numbers of genuine "Games family members (GFMs)", which includes an estimated 10,500 athletes, their training teams, accredited media and officials, would-be terrorists or illegal immigrants could use the influx of people at Heathrow in the days before the Games start on 27 July to get into Britain.
A temporary terminal at Heathrow is already being built to try to take the strain of the 20,000 accredited people as well as millions of ticket holders and visitors.
The Government is to step up the national terror threat to 'severe' during the 16-day Games, which means the probability of an attack is quite high, The Independent reports.
UK Border Agency staff, which is already in overseas visa offices, has started the thorough task of taking biometric details of around 10,000 individuals.
Officials will visit international sporting events over the next few weeks to collect as much data in one place as possible.
Each profile contains a facial image scan and 10 finger scans, kept in a single digital record.
Athletes from some participating nations already have biometric information in their passports, and so do not need to hand their data over, but the Home Office believes there are 10,000 athletes and other team members who need to have details taken.
"Collecting biometrics in advance of travel will increase security as GFM biometrics will be prechecked before arrival in the UK," a spokesman from Home Office said. (ANI)
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