Amit Forlit, aged 58, has been extradited to New York from Britain to face charges related to a hacking-for-hire operation targeting environmental organizations. His indictment, unsealed recently, alleges he engaged in conspiracy to commit computer hacking and wire fraud, potentially leading to a sentence of up to 45 years in prison.
From 2012 to 2019, Forlit is accused of orchestrating extensive criminal activities that spanned multiple countries, including Russia, India, and Dubai, resulting in unlawful gains amounting to “tens of millions of dollars.” He reportedly collaborated with Aviram Azari, who was previously convicted of hacking-related offenses.
Prosecutors from the U.S. attorney’s office for the Southern District of New York disclosed that Forlit was arraigned on Thursday evening. The indictment also highlights a lobbying firm in Washington, identified as DCI Group, as a client, which was associated with Exxon Mobil, a major oil and gas corporation headquartered in Irving, Texas.