Hacker behind Germany's massive data leak identified

Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-09 02:30:42|Editor: Mu Xuequan
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BERLIN, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- German authorities have arrested the hacker responsible for the recent massive data leak, a German citizen in the state of Hesse, according to a statement of the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA).

The 20-year-old German citizen is suspected to have spied on personal data of politicians, journalists and public figures. He could face charges of stealing and illegally publishing private data.

According to the BKA statement, officers searched the home of the suspect in central Hesse on Sunday. The accused was interrogated on Monday, and he extensively acknowledged the allegations against him.

According to the suspect, he acted alone and there was no evidence of third-party participation. He was motivated, according to the BKA statement, by "anger at the public statements of the politicians, journalists and public figures concerned."

On Jan. 4, it was revealed that the personal data of hundreds of German politicians, journalists and celebrities had been uploaded via Twitter. The incidence was called by local media as the largest data leak in German history.

The BKA said, due to a lack of grounds for detention, the accused was released Monday evening. The evidence seized, in particular computers and data carriers, is currently being fully evaluated.

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