A US court case against Israeli private investigator Amit Forlit could reveal who ordered a hacking operation that targeted climate activists critical of ExxonMobil a decade ago. Forlit faces hacking and wire fraud charges in a New York federal court, with court documents alleging the hack was commissioned by DCI Group, a lobbying firm representing ExxonMobil.
Background of the Hacking Operation
In 2015, media reports revealed that ExxonMobil's own scientists had known since 1982 that fossil fuel burning caused climate change, yet the company funded climate denial campaigns. In 2016, as climate activists sought to hold Exxon accountable, they were targeted by phishing emails. Kert Davies, founder of the Climate Investigations Center, received over 80 phishing emails, including one disguised as a colleague sharing a Dropbox document titled “ExxonMobil (confidential).docx.” A Department of Justice investigation confirmed the successful hacking of more than 100 victims, including the group of Exxon critics.
Forlit's Extradition and Allegations
Amit Forlit was extradited from the UK and arraigned in New York this spring. His lawyer referenced a sealed indictment, naming DCI Group as the alleged client. The unsealed indictment from the US attorney's office alleges that a lobbying firm working for an oil giant matching Exxon's description hired Forlit to execute a project involving hacking climate activists. Reuters reported that the FBI investigated DCI Group, which had a longtime relationship with Exxon. Public records show Exxon spent over $3 million on lobbying through DCI Group, including $320,000 in 2015, the year the hacking was allegedly commissioned.
Denials from DCI Group and Exxon
DCI Group and Exxon deny involvement. Craig Stevens, a partner at DCI Group, stated, “We do and always have directed all our employees and consultants to comply with the law,” adding that the firm had “been told by the government that neither DCI nor any of its personnel are under investigation.” ExxonMobil previously said it has not been “involved in, nor are we aware of, any hacking activities. If there was any hacking involved, we condemn it in the strongest possible terms.”
Details from the Indictment
The indictment alleges that in October 2015, the client asked the lobbying firm for help responding to civil investigations related to climate change. A principal at the lobbying firm contacted Forlit about a project targeting people working on climate and environmental issues. The principal sent a memo to Forlit with a cover email stating, “This is what I gave the client yesterday.” The memo referenced “recent attacks” on the client “over climate change by groups on the left” and the “opportunity to go ‘on offense’.” Forlit then emailed a proposal with a $125,000 monthly budget. Forlit allegedly contracted Aviram Azari, another Israeli private investigator, who hired hackers. Between 2014 and 2017, Forlit's firms earned $7 million, including for work on the climate hack.
Impact on Victims
Jennifer Cunningham, a former partner at SKDKnickerbocker, recalled receiving phishing emails. After reviewing the indictment, she realized she might be a victim. “Wait – I must be Victim 3?” she said. “If so, I guess they were successful in hacking in, which I never knew.” Lee Wasserman, director of the Rockefeller Family Foundation, believes he is “Victim 5.” He said, “We think Exxon and their allies’ conduct was the most consequential corporate deception of all time.” The phishing attempts had a chilling effect, causing activists to switch to phone calls and whisper out of fear of surveillance.
Awaiting Trial
Kert Davies, who continues to monitor Exxon, hopes the trial will reveal whether the oil giant was involved. “None of that has been proven yet. So any furtherance of that story and that proof is really important to me, personally, and to a lot of the people who were attacked by this operation 10 years ago,” he said. “It’s personal, because I really don’t like bullies or liars or cheaters.” Forlit has pleaded not guilty. The trial is expected to provide answers to the climate activists who have been waiting a decade for the truth.
