Unisys offers reward for stolen desktop PC

Unisys, the Department of Veterans Affairs' Office of Inspector General and the FBI have announced a reward of as much as $50,000 for information leading to the recovery of a company desktop computer reported missing on Aug. 7 from Unisys headquarters in Reston, Va.

The computer’s hard drive contains personal information regarding about 20,000 veterans treated at VA medical facilities in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia in the past four years. Unisys has a contract to monitor the data for insurance claims processing.

A company statement said, “There is no evidence to indicate that the individual or the individuals responsible for the disappearance of the computer had any knowledge of the content of the information stored on the computer."

Unisys spokeswoman Lisa Meyer said so far there is no evidence of a break-in. She said law enforcement officials are questioning everyone in the facility and checking surveillance tapes and exit and entry logs.

Joseph Persichini Jr., acting assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, issued the identical announcement. His office is leading the investigation.

Persichini said anyone who has information about the missing computer is asked to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.