French authorities are investigating potential foreign interference after remote-access malware was discovered on the Italian-operated ferry, Fantastic, docked at the Mediterranean port of Sète. The malware, identified as a Remote Access Trojan (RAT), allows hackers to control a system from afar. Italian officials informed their French counterparts that the ferry’s operating system may have been compromised, prompting immediate action.
In connection with the investigation, two crew members—one Latvian and one Bulgarian—were arrested. While the Bulgarian was released, the Latvian remains in custody after facing charges. The Paris prosecutor’s office has launched an inquiry, suspecting an organized group attempted to compromise the ferry’s data systems to benefit a foreign power.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez deemed the incident a "very serious matter," emphasizing the possibility of state-backed interference, hinting at Russia’s involvement without naming the country directly. Investigations are being conducted by France’s domestic intelligence service, the DGSI, which has already confiscated several items from the vessel after conducting an emergency inspection.
Additionally, searches in Latvia were carried out with Eurojust’s support. The lawyer representing the detained Latvian, Thibault Bailly, has contended that the situation may not be as critical as initially perceived, urging a thorough examination of the case.
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