A London court has approved the extradition of Amit Forlit, accused of running a hacking operation that allegedly stole information from environmental groups for a lobbying firm representing ExxonMobil. The case involves claims of substantial financial gain through illegal activities.
Court Approves Extradition of Israeli Hacker Linked to ExxonMobil
Court Approves Extradition of Israeli Hacker Linked to ExxonMobil
Amit Forlit faces charges in New York for allegedly operating a hacking service that targeted climate advocacy groups on behalf of a lobbying firm connected to ExxonMobil.
An English court has authorized the extradition of Amit Forlit, a 57-year-old man from Israel, to the United States, where he faces charges for allegedly running a “hacking-for-hire” service that targeted environmental organizations. Prosecutors in New York claim Forlit’s companies generated over $16 million by breaching the security of more than 100 victims, aiming to steal sensitive information for a lobbying firm associated with ExxonMobil.
According to legal documents filed earlier this year, the lobbying firm has been identified as DCI Group, which is embroiled in various lawsuits from Democratic attorneys general and other government authorities. These lawsuits accuse ExxonMobil of concealing vital information regarding climate change impacts for decades to sustain oil operations.
In response to these allegations, ExxonMobil has issued a statement asserting its non-involvement in any hacking activities and condemned such actions if they occurred. The company emphasized that it had no knowledge of the hacking claims mentioned in the reports. Meanwhile, Craig Stevens, a spokesperson for DCI Group, stated that the firm instructs its employees and consultants to comply with legal standards and categorically denied any involvement in the alleged hacking incidents from over ten years ago.
DCI Group has characterized the accusations as conspiracy theories propagated by what it labels as "radical anti-oil activists," including wealthy individuals who, according to DCI, have been themselves linked to the fossil fuel industry. As this case unfolds, it highlights the ongoing tension between corporate interests and environmental advocacy, particularly regarding the oil industry's practices in the context of climate change awareness.
