Israeli police say a 44-year-old Ashkelon resident is accused of infecting hundreds of computers across dozens of companies with malware since 2020, enabling remote surveillance and data theft. Authorities allege he captured thousands of screenshots and recordings, hijacked webcams and microphones, and extracted passwords and credit card information. Investigators also accuse him of recording minors and storing nude images of underage victims. Nearly 60 victims were interviewed, losses exceed NIS 2 million, and an indictment has been filed.
Ashkelon Man Charged In Wide-Ranging Malware Campaign — Hundreds Spied On, Minors Recorded
Hacker stealing money (photo credit: SHUTTERSTOCK)
Israeli police say a 44-year-old resident of Ashkelon carried out a broad malware campaign that infected hundreds of computers at dozens of companies beginning in 2020, allowing extensive surveillance and data theft, authorities announced.
Officers from Israel Police's Lahav 433 — the National Crime Unit's cyber division — said they arrested the suspect on August 18 after a "complex analytical and technological investigation" that identified and located him.
How the Attack Worked
Police allege the suspect deployed malicious software to gain remote control of victims' machines. That access reportedly enabled him to capture thousands of screenshots and screen recordings, hijack webcams and microphones, download files and exfiltrate sensitive information, including passwords and credit card details.
An illustration of Israeli data being hacked. (credit: ADragan/Shutterstock)
Victims and Impact
Investigators say the intrusions affected hundreds of individual devices across dozens of companies. Officers took statements from nearly 60 victims as well as representatives of incident response firms that assisted the affected organizations. Police estimate cumulative financial losses to the impacted companies exceeded NIS 2 million.
Allegations Involving Minors
Police further accuse the suspect of recording minors and of capturing and storing nude images of underage victims. Authorities have not released identifying details about the victims. The case includes sensitive child-protection elements and remains under active investigation.
Legal Proceedings
The State Attorney's Office filed an indictment with the Rishon LeZion Magistrate's Court and requested that the suspect's detention be extended until the conclusion of legal proceedings. Police said the investigation involved both analytical review and technical tracing to build the case.
Note: The investigation is ongoing. Authorities continue to work with cybersecurity firms and affected organizations to assess the full scope of the breaches and to identify additional victims.
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