Ashkelon Man Charged with Hacking Hundreds of Computers, Filming Victims

A 44-year-old resident of Ashkelon has been indicted for infecting hundreds of computers belonging to companies and private individuals with malware. The suspect allegedly gained control of these computers, stole data, and recorded video of victims, including minors, some of whom were nude. The police announced on Monday that the suspect, arrested about a month ago, was investigated by the National Cyber Unit of Lahav 433.

According to the police, the malware enabled the attacker to control the computers, perform thousands of screen captures and recordings, access computer cameras, eavesdrop, download files, and extract passwords and credit card details. The investigation involved nearly 60 victim testimonies and responses from cyber incident response teams that served the affected companies.

The cumulative economic damage to the companies is estimated at over 2 million shekels. The suspect allegedly filmed victims both at their workplaces and in their private homes.

Last weekend, following 24 days of detention, a severe indictment was filed against the suspect at the Rishon LeZion Magistrate's Court by the State Prosecutor's Office Cyber Department. The indictment, accompanied by a request for continued detention until the proceedings conclude, includes serious offenses such as violations of the Computer Law, Privacy Protection Law, Wiretapping Law, theft, and indecent acts.