In a landmark case that highlights the growing cyber threats against activists and the legal consequences that perpetrators face, Aviram Azari, an Israeli private eye, has been sentenced to 80 months in prison after admitting to overseeing a hacking campaign against climate change activists. This article delves into the details of Azari’s case, exploring the background of the campaign, the leaked documents, and the impact on investigations into ExxonMobile’s alleged climate change deception.
Background of the case
The hacking campaign targeting climate change activists was aimed at obtaining sensitive information that could be used to undermine the credibility of climate scientists and activists. In a concerning turn of events, these documents were leaked to the media, resulting in coverage that ExxonMobil strategically used in court filings to counter state attorney lawsuits accusing the company of misleading investors regarding global warming. Federal prosecutors assert that these leaked documents have significant implications for ongoing investigations into ExxonMobil.
Aviram Azari’s guilty plea and sentencing
After being indicted on multiple counts, including conspiracy, wire fraud, and identity theft, Aviram Azari pleaded guilty to three of the charges in April 2022. His guilty plea laid the groundwork for this significant sentencing. On Thursday, a federal judge in Manhattan sentenced him to 80 months in prison, underscoring the seriousness of the crimes committed.
Azari’s Hacking Business
Azari owned and operated an intelligence firm, providing hacking-for-hire services. Between November 2014 and September 2019, he amassed a substantial income of $4.8 million through his illicit activities. This lucrative business enabled him to orchestrate and oversee a number of hacking campaigns, some of which targeted climate change activists.
Outsourcing of Hacking Campaigns
While Azari was the mastermind behind the hacking campaigns, he outsourced the actual execution to third parties, including a specific group of individuals based in India. Federal investigators have discovered more than 200 targets of these hacking projects, indicating a vast network with global reach. However, the true count is estimated to be in the thousands, underscoring the magnitude of the cyber operation.
Specific targets of the hacking campaign
Prominent among the targets were Peter Frumhoff, a climate scientist at the Union of Concerned Scientists, and Kert Davies, then-director of the Climate Investigations Center. These individuals, along with others, were chosen to be targeted based on their involvement in the climate change advocacy sphere and their potential to influence public opinion and policy.
The leaked documents and media coverage
The stolen documents, obtained through hacking campaigns, were strategically leaked to the media. This resulted in articles that aimed to undermine ongoing investigations by the attorneys general of New York and Massachusetts into ExxonMobile’s alleged deception regarding human-caused climate change. The weaponization of stolen information further complicated the legal battles against the petroleum giant and potentially influenced public perception.
Secrecy surrounding Azari’s client list
Despite his conviction, Azari’s client list remains undisclosed, except for one notable mention: Wirecard, a now-defunct German payment processor. The full extent of the clients who sought Azari’s hacking services and their motives for doing so remains a mystery, potentially raising concerns about the scope and impact of the hacking operations he facilitated.
Defense’s plea for a lesser sentence
During the sentencing proceedings, Azari’s defense attorneys argued for a reduced prison term of just five years. They highlighted the allegedly inhumane conditions Azari experienced during pre-sentencing detention as a factor to be considered. However, the judge ultimately determined that the severity of the crimes warranted a more substantial sentence.
The sentencing of Aviram Azari to 80 months in prison serves as a reminder that hacking campaigns targeting activists and influencing public opinion can have far-reaching consequences. The theft and strategic leaking of documents have the potential to compromise investigations and undermine the pursuit of justice. As the world grapples with pressing global issues such as climate change, it is crucial to address cyber threats seriously and hold those responsible accountable for their actions. The repercussions of these hacking campaigns extend beyond the individuals involved, impacting the concerted efforts to combat climate change and protect the integrity of scientific research.