An Ashkelon resident was arrested Tuesday morning on suspicion of planting malware in the computer systems of dozens of Israeli companies and using it to collect sensitive information and computer files.

The arrest followed an undercover investigation by the Israel Police Cyber Unit in Lahav 433, which worked to identify the individual allegedly behind the widespread cyber operation.

Police said investigators conducted what they described as “complex analytical activity” before tracing the suspected attacks to the Ashkelon resident.

The investigation moved into its overt phase early Tuesday morning, when detectives arrested the suspect and searched his home as well as several companies connected to the investigation.

The suspect was questioned under caution on suspicion of offenses under Israel’s Computers Law, illegal wiretapping, privacy violations and additional offenses.

Following questioning, he was brought before the Rishon LeZion Magistrate’s Court, which extended his detention until August 23.

At the request of the suspect’s attorney, the court imposed a gag order prohibiting publication of his name.

The investigation remains ongoing with the involvement of the State Attorney’s Office Cyber Department.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)