Detained In US For Hacking, Israeli Private Detective Files Defense

JAKARTA - An Israeli private detective detained in New York, United States (US) since 2019 on charges of involvement in a hacker recruitment scheme, wants a plea deal, according to a letter filed in court by his lawyer.

Federal prosecutors said jailed detective Aviram Azari organized a series of hacking missions through an unnamed third party against New York-based American companies, using fake websites and phishing messages to steal email account passwords.

While the indictment does not identify the hacker's name, five people familiar with the case said Azari was charged in connection with New Delhi, India-based BellTroX InfoTech Services which Reuters reported last year of being behind a hacking campaign targeting lawyers, government officials, businessmen, investors and activists around the world.

Citing Reuters Thursday July 1, Azari was charged with conspiracy to commit hacking, wire fraud and identity theft, court documents show.

Azari's attorney, Barry Zone, wrote to US District Judge John Koeltl of Manhattan on June 11 that his client is now in a position to engage in meaningful defense discussions and negotiations with the government.

The letter asks for the adjournment of the case hearing scheduled for August 9, to engage in what Azari's side hopes will be fruitful defense discussions."

Zone declined to comment further. The US Attorney's Office in Manhattan declined to comment. Meanwhile, emails and phone calls to BellTroX chief executive Sumit Gupta and other employees have gone unanswered since last year.

Previously reported, BellTroX was contracted by a Western private detective working at the behest of law firms and wealthy individuals, citing former agents.

BellTroX is one of several India-based companies providing hacking services to global clients, operators say.

To note, US Government investigations are looking into whether their citizens hire contractors, including BellTroX, to spy on US environmental activists, according to three people briefed on the investigation who spoke on condition of anonymity.