A hacker linked to the Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico reportedly accessed telephone records from FBI officials back in 2018, utilizing Mexico City’s surveillance camera system to locate and eliminate informants and witnesses.
This case was highlighted in a report by the Department of Justice, which examined the FBI’s technical surveillance efforts.
The FBI had been investigating Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, the notorious former leader of the cartel, who was extradited to the U.S. in 2017.
According to reports, hackers pinpointed FBI Assistant Legal Attachés (ALATs) at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City. They managed to use the attaché’s phone number to access call logs and geographic data.
The investigation revealed that the hackers compromised the mobile devices of ALATs and exploited Mexico City’s camera system to track their movements and identify individuals they interacted with. This information was allegedly used by the cartel to threaten or assassinate potential sources and cooperating witnesses.
The report did not disclose the identities of the hackers or their victims. The investigation continues, with contact maintained with U.S. embassies in Mexico City, as well as the State Department, FBI, and Department of Justice.
It was noted in the report that technological advances have significantly increased the ability of less sophisticated nations and criminal groups to uncover and exploit vulnerabilities.
