Amit Forlit, described as “tall and stocky” in his blue shirt, a 58-year-old Israeli, appeared before a judge in New York on Friday, a week after he arrived in the US, extradited from the UK, where he was arrested in 2024.
Amit Forlit is charged with orchestrating massive hacking and electronic fraud operations between 2012 and 2019, which could lead to up to forty-five years in prison. These operations targeted organizations, scientists, or citizens involved in climate change activism.
ExxonMobil allegedly hired environmental groups to hack certain data, with the aim of making millions individually. However, Forlit worked for a lobbying firm whose client, identified as “one of the world’s largest oil and gas companies headquartered in Irving, Texas,” claims ignorance of any hacking operation.
The hacking operations were intended to gather data and intelligence for Exxon’s use in political lobbying or legal proceedings. Over 100 targets were identified, including the Union of Concerned Scientists and the Center for Climate Integrity, both actively opposing laws that protect the oil and gas giants.
To avoid legal action and “climate blackmail,” some states, like Tennessee, have passed laws to prevent climate change-related lawsuits. Federal lawmakers, such as Texas Senator Ted Cruz and Republican Harriet Hageman, are also working on legislation to protect energy producers from legal challenges.
Producers defend themselves, stating they are only responding to consumer demand. Forlit was released under surveillance and will appear before a judge on August 13th.
