Ashkelon Man Accused of Running Extensive Spy Network Using AI

A 43-year-old man from Ashkelon, Michael Bar, has been indicted by the State Prosecutor's Cyber Security Department for allegedly creating a large-scale espionage network. Bar, who held senior information security positions, is accused of using Telegram bots and neural networks to hack into dozens of commercial organizations and kibbutzim. Investigations suggest he developed malicious software starting in 2019, causing an estimated 1.5 million shekels in damages to businesses.

He reportedly leveraged artificial intelligence to create sophisticated viruses capable of system control, keystroke logging, and bypassing corporate defenses. During the investigation into an incident at the "Hamat" group, where Bar was director of security, he allegedly deceived authorities while simultaneously updating his virus. The charges include corporate espionage, theft of financial data, and covert surveillance through remote activation of webcams and microphones in private residences.

Law enforcement found a detailed archive of stolen materials and records of requests made to the Claude neural network for generating malicious code on his computer. Bar faces 11 charges, including cyberattacks and mass invasion of privacy. Prosecutors have requested his continued detention until trial, citing his high technical skills and the potential threat he poses to remaining networks.