Ashkelon Man Indicted for Massive Multi-Year Cyberattack and Spyware Campaign
An Ashkelon resident was indicted for hacking hundreds of computers across companies and private homes, stealing data, and committing severe privacy offenses.
A 44-year-old resident of Ashkelon has been formally charged with deploying malware onto hundreds of computers across dozens of companies and private residences over a multi-year period. According to the investigation, the illicit digital operations continued from 2020 until his arrest on August 18, 2026.
The covert investigation involved complex analytical and technological operations that ultimately unmasked the suspect. Following his arrest, authorities gathered extensive evidence and testimonies regarding the massive scale of the cyberattacks and the severe damage inflicted upon the victims.
Investigators state that the deployed malware granted the suspect remote access to compromised devices. He allegedly captured thousands of screenshots and recordings, hijacked webcams, and intercepted surrounding audio. Police also revealed that he recorded secret video footage of victims at workplaces and private homes, exfiltrated files, and stole sensitive credentials including passwords and credit card details.
Furthermore, law enforcement attributes exceptionally serious offenses involving minors to the suspect. Case findings indicate he documented underage victims, including explicit visual recordings in some instances, saving the illicit media on devices in his possession.
The investigation included nearly 60 testimonies from victims alongside incident response cyber firms that assisted affected enterprises. Police estimate the cumulative financial damage suffered by businesses exceeds 2 million shekels.
Following a 24-day detention period, the Cyber Department at the State Attorney's Office filed a formal indictment against the defendant at the Rishon LeZion Magistrates' Court alongside a request for detention until the end of legal proceedings. The indictment includes charges under the Computers Law, Privacy Protection Law, and Wiretapping Law, as well as counts of theft and indecent acts.
