Amit Forlit, a 58-year-old private investigator from Israel, faces serious legal charges after allegedly running a hacking operation targeting environmental activists. His indictment in 2022 includes allegations of conspiracy related to computer hacking and wire fraud, which could lead to a maximum of 45 years in prison. Prosecutors claim his activities generated unlawful proceeds amounting to “tens of millions of dollars”.
Forlit was arrested in London in 2024 and extradited to the U.S. earlier this month, where he pleaded not guilty and was released on bail. He is accused of being hired by the D.C.I. Group, a lobbying firm linked to the oil and gas giant Exxon Mobil, based in Texas. The hacking was purportedly aimed at collecting information for use in lobbying efforts or ongoing legal battles against oil companies, which are facing multiple lawsuits over climate-related damages.
The allegations come amid a series of lawsuits seeking accountability from the oil industry for its role in climate change, with significant cases currently under review, including one from Boulder, Colorado, scheduled for oral arguments in the fall before the Supreme Court. Both the lobbying firm and Exxon Mobil have denied any involvement or knowledge of the hacking activities.