Spyware probe couple deported to Israel
By John Leyden
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http://forms.theregister.co.uk/mail_author/?story_url=/2006/01/31/spyware_suspect_deportation/>
Published Tuesday 31st January 2006 15:35 GMT
Spyware-for-hire suspects Michael and Ruth Haephrati arrived in Israel
on Monday to face industrial espionage charges following their
extradition from Britain. The couple, alleged masterminds behind a
spyware-linked industrial espionage program, face trial in their native
Israel after dropping an appeal against deportation.
Investigators allege the dynamic duo developed and sold customised
spyware or Trojan horse packages designed to evade detection by security
tools to three private investigation companies in Israel - Modi'in
Ezrahi, Zvi Krochmal, and Philosof-Balali, The Jerusalem Post reports
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http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1138622511133&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull>
(
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1138622511133&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull).
This spyware code was allegedly installed on victims' PCs by private
detectives from a diskette or via email, as part of a spying scam that
ran for up to two years. The malware sent stolen documents to an FTP
site, allowing unscrupulous firms to swipe confidential documents from
rivals. Each software installation allegedly netted the Haephratis £2,000.
Firms suspected of using the malware include Mayer Motors (an importer
of Volvo and Honda cars) against Champion Motors (an Audi and Volkswagen
dealership), satellite television company Yes is accused of spying on
rival cable TV outfit HOT, while Israeli mobile phone firms Pelephone
and Cellcom are accused of spying Haaretz reports
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http://www.haaretzdaily.com/hasen/spages/676644.html>
(
http://www.haaretzdaily.com/hasen/spages/676644.html).
The Haephratis are two of 22 people arrested in Israel and the UK in
connection with the case, some of who are currently on trial in Israel's
Tel Aviv District Court.
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