A decade-long legal battle is unfolding in the United States, with a group of climate activists eagerly awaiting the outcome of a trial that could expose the culprits behind a sophisticated hacking operation. The case centers around a series of phishing emails targeting Exxon climate critics, which led to a Department of Justice investigation and the arrest of Israeli private investigator Amit Forlit. The trial's potential revelations have sparked intense interest and concern among those affected, as it may shed light on the involvement of a major oil company in the hacking scheme.
The story begins with a group of American climate activists, closely monitoring a US court case that could reveal who hired hackers to target their inboxes a decade ago. In 2015, explosive media reports exposed ExxonMobil's internal knowledge of climate change, dating back to 1982, while simultaneously funding climate denial campaigns. This led to investigations by attorneys general and a group of climate activists seeking to hold Exxon accountable for climate deception.
As these activists fought for justice, they became victims of a wave of phishing emails. Kert Davies, the founder of the Climate Investigations Center, received over 80 phishing emails, including one pretending to be a colleague sharing a confidential document. A Department of Justice investigation confirmed the hacking of over 100 victims, including the Exxon critics.
The mystery of who ordered the hacking operation deepened with the extradition and arraignment of Amit Forlit in a US federal court. Court documents alleged that the hack was commissioned by DCI Group, a lobbying firm representing ExxonMobil, one of the world's largest fossil fuel companies. This revelation sent shockwaves through the American climate community.
Forlit, facing up to 45 years in prison, pleaded not guilty. His lawyer, in a filing arguing against his extradition, named the alleged client for the first time: DCI Group, representing ExxonMobil. A newly unsealed indictment from the US attorney's office in New York further alleged that a lobbying firm working on behalf of an oil giant matching Exxon's description hired Forlit to execute a project involving hacking climate activists.
DCI Group and Exxon deny involvement, with ExxonMobil stating it has not been involved in any hacking activities and condemning such actions. However, public documents show Exxon's significant spending on lobbying, including $320,000 in 2015, the year the hacking was allegedly commissioned. The FBI also investigated DCI Group regarding the hacking operation.
The trial's potential impact is profound. Jennifer Cunningham, a victim, hopes it will reveal communication between companies and hackers. Lee Wasserman, another victim, believes the court process will uncover the operation's direction and funding. Kert Davies, still monitoring Exxon, hopes the case will prove Exxon's involvement. The activists' anticipation is palpable, as they await the trial's outcome, eager to see justice served and the truth revealed.
