Ashkelon Man Indicted for Hacking Hundreds of Computers, Filming Minors

A 44-year-old resident of Ashkelon was indicted last weekend for infiltrating hundreds of computers belonging to dozens of private and corporate entities since 2020. The suspect, arrested last month, allegedly used malware to gain control over the computers, enabling him to take thousands of screenshots and recordings, access webcams, and record victims in their workplaces and homes. He also downloaded files and extracted passwords and credit card details.

Most disturbingly, the indictment includes charges related to the filming of minors, with some victims recorded naked. These images were reportedly stored on the suspect's computers. The investigation, which involved complex analytical and technological work, led to the suspect's arrest on August 18.

During the investigation, nearly 60 testimonies were collected from victims and cybersecurity incident response teams. The total economic damage to the affected companies is estimated to exceed 2 million shekels. The indictment, filed at the Rishon LeZion Magistrate's Court by the State Prosecutor's Office Cyber Division, includes severe offenses under computer, privacy, and wiretapping laws, as well as theft and indecent acts. A request to detain the suspect until the end of legal proceedings was also submitted.