Digicel Jamaica hacked

(Jamaica Gleaner) A 30-year-old man was yesterday picked up by the police in connection with an alleged hacking of telecommunications company Digicel’s database.

According to reports, the hacker was able to access personal information, including text messages and voicemail, of thousands of Digicel customers.

It is alleged that the hacker also made attempts to blackmail the company with the stolen information.

Karl Angell, director of communications for the Jamaica Constabulary Force, told The Gleaner yesterday that the hacking reportedly took place over a period of time and the Organised Crime Investigation Division has launched a probe into the matter.

The man who was picked up is now in custody and being questioned by the police.

SUSPECT ON PREVIOUS CHARGE

Police sources said the man was before the court on another charge of hacking into Digicel’s system some time ago, stealing phone-credit codes which he sold to unsuspecting customers.

Angell said the allegations into the recent hacking are now under investigation.

In a brief statement to the media yesterday, Digicel said, “Further to media reports this (yesterday) afternoon, regarding the alleged attempted blackmail of Digicel Jamaica, we wish to comment as follows:

‘Today there has been an important development in an ongoing investigation, in conjunction with the police, as a suspect has now been arrested.

‘Whilst we are pleased with this development, unfortunately we cannot comment further due to legal constraints that could compromise the ongoing police investigations’.”