Ashkelon Man Charged with Hacking, Spying on Hundreds of Users

Israel's National Cyber Unit, part of Lahav 433, has concluded an investigation into a 44-year-old Ashkelon resident suspected of infecting hundreds of computers across numerous companies and private organizations with malware. Authorities allege the suspect operated from 2020 until his arrest on August 18, 2026. Following a covert investigation and complex technological analysis, police identified the suspect and gained remote control over the compromised machines.

According to the investigation, the suspect allegedly captured thousands of screenshots, accessed webcams and microphones, and recorded users both at work and home. He also downloaded files and obtained passwords and bank card details. The police highlighted that minors were among the victims, with some webcam footage capturing them unclothed, with these images stored on the suspect's computers.

Investigators gathered approximately 60 testimonies from victims and cybersecurity incident response representatives. The total economic damage to companies is estimated at over 2 million shekels.

After 24 days of detention, the state prosecution's cyber department filed an indictment and requested the suspect's remand until the end of proceedings at the Rishon LeZion Magistrate's Court. The charges include violations of computer, privacy, and wiretapping laws, as well as theft and lewd acts.