Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

BumRushDaShow

(146,214 posts)
Fri Jan 24, 2025, 04:05 PM Friday

The U.S. is trying to unravel a hacking plot that targeted climate activists

Source: NPR

January 24, 2025 5:00 AM ET


A yearslong U.S. Justice Department investigation of a global hacking campaign that targeted prominent American climate activists took a turn in a London court this week amid an allegation that the hacking was ordered by a lobbying firm working for ExxonMobil. Both the lobbying firm and ExxonMobil have denied any awareness of or involvement with alleged hacking.

The hacking was allegedly commissioned by a Washington, D.C., lobbying firm, according to a lawyer representing the U.S. government. The firm, in turn, was allegedly working on behalf of one of the world's largest oil and gas companies, based in Texas, that wanted to discredit groups and individuals involved in climate litigation, according to the lawyer for the U.S. government. In court documents, the Justice Department does not name either company.

As part of its probe, the U.S. is trying to extradite an Israeli private investigator named Amit Forlit from the United Kingdom for allegedly orchestrating the hacking campaign. A lawyer for Forlit claimed in a court filing that the hacking operation her client is accused of leading "is alleged to have been commissioned by DCI Group, a lobbying firm representing ExxonMobil, one of the world's largest fossil fuel companies."

Forlit has previously denied ordering or paying for hacking. The Justice Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Read more: https://www.npr.org/2025/01/24/nx-s1-5271530/hacking-investigation-climate-change

3 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
The U.S. is trying to unravel a hacking plot that targeted climate activists (Original Post) BumRushDaShow Friday OP
they already got one strange their hired guns come from Israel Historic NY Friday #1
Message auto-removed Name removed Saturday #3
Shhhh. If the felon hears about this, he'll shut down this investigation. Scrivener7 Friday #2

Response to Historic NY (Reply #1)

Latest Discussions»Latest Breaking News»The U.S. is trying to unr...