Israeli Police Arrest Ashkelon Man Suspected of Hacking Dozens of Companies

Police said Tuesday evening that an Ashkelon resident was arrested on suspicion of planting malicious software in dozens of companies across Israel’s business sector and collecting computer files and sensitive information from them. The suspect was arrested following an undercover investigation by the cyber unit of Lahav 433, and his detention was extended until August 23. At his attorney’s request, the court barred publication of his name.

In a statement, police said: "The cyber unit is conducting an investigation in which, according to suspicion, the Ashkelon resident introduced malware, collected computer files and sensitive information from dozens of companies in Israel’s business sector. During the undercover investigation, unit investigators worked to trace the suspect’s identity, and after complex analytical work, succeeded in uncovering his identity. Today, in the early morning hours, the unit moved into the overt stage of the investigation, arrested the suspect, and conducted a search of his home and several additional companies."

Police added that the suspect was questioned under caution over alleged violations of the Computers Law, illegal wiretapping, invasion of privacy, and additional offenses. At the end of his questioning, he was brought before the Magistrate’s Court in Rishon LeZion for a detention-extension hearing.