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Russia Spy Suspected in Cruise Ship Hack
16 Dec
Summary
- Investigators probe if Moscow spies targeted a cruise ship for attack.
- Two men arrested for allegedly hacking ferry computer systems.
- A Latvian national charged with using a device for foreign interests.
Authorities are investigating whether Russian intelligence services were behind an attempted hijacking of a cruise ship carrying British tourists, a plot potentially aimed at facilitating a violent attack. The vessel, 'Fantastic,' was detained for over ten hours in the French port of Sète after intelligence agents feared it had been bugged for remote control.
Two men were arrested on December 12 by internal security agents for allegedly possessing a technological device used to hack the ferry's computer system. While a Bulgarian national was released, a Latvian trainee sailor was transferred to Paris and charged with crimes related to cybercrime and serving foreign interests. Investigators are considering Russia as a prime suspect, given its history of using operatives from Eastern European countries.
The ship's departure was significantly delayed, causing distress to its 650 passengers. Forensic analysis of the seized device is ongoing, and while no direct link to Russian intelligence has been confirmed, investigations continue. The suspect's lawyer suggested the case may be less alarming than initially portrayed.
