A UK court has authorized the extradition of Amit Forlit, who allegedly led a hacking operation targeting environmental organizations. This move comes amid ongoing lawsuits against ExxonMobil for its alleged role in climate misinformation.
Extradition Ruling: Hacking Suspect Linked to ExxonMobil Approved by UK Court
Extradition Ruling: Hacking Suspect Linked to ExxonMobil Approved by UK Court
An Israeli national faces extradition to the U.S. for allegedly directing a hacking scheme that compromised climate advocacy groups.
A London court has granted approval for the extradition of Amit Forlit, an Israeli national accused by U.S. prosecutors of orchestrating a "hacking-for-hire" scheme aimed at environmental groups. According to prosecutors, Forlit, 57, operated companies that amassed over $16 million by breaching data security for more than 100 victims, specifically for the benefit of a lobbying firm associated with ExxonMobil.
In a January court filing, Forlit's attorneys named the oil giant as the firm represented by the lobbying entity, known as DCI Group. ExxonMobil is currently facing lawsuits from Democratic attorneys general and various local officials who allege the company concealed crucial information regarding climate change for many years to maintain oil sales.
ExxonMobil responded to the allegations by stating that it had no knowledge of or involvement in any hacking activities, reiterating a strong condemnation of such actions if they occurred. Meanwhile, DCI Group’s spokesperson, Craig Stevens, emphasized the firm’s adherence to legal standards and denied any direction or participation in the hacking claims that date back a decade. DCI further accused critics of perpetuating conspiracy theories, suggesting that they are funded by remnants of wealth from fossil fuel legacies.
