A New York attorney has accused a British private intelligence firm of paying hired hackers who, he claims, influenced the outcome of legal proceedings in favor of his opponents.
In a lawsuit filed last week in Manhattan federal court, Daniel Feldman alleged that London-based consulting firm Vantage Intelligence paid operatives to intercept confidential communications between his lawyers in 2016, 2017, and 2018.
Feldman stated that the hacking occurred while he was engaged in litigation against Vantage’s clients — a group of companies tied to the now-defunct Russian oil giant Yukos — over fraud allegations. The lawsuit claims Vantage used stolen data to undermine Feldman’s defense strategy and gain an unfair advantage in court. Vantage Intelligence has not yet responded to requests for comment. However, the company has previously denied any wrongdoing, asserting it operates within legal boundaries. Feldman’s lawsuit is the latest in a series of accusations involving British private intelligence firms’ use of hacking services. In recent years, an increasing number of companies and individuals have turned to hackers to obtain information or manipulate outcomes.
Experts warn that the use of hired hackers poses a serious threat to privacy and security. They are calling for stricter industry regulations and accountability for firms that employ hackers for illicit purposes.
Feldman’s case casts a shadow not only over Vantage Intelligence but over the entire British private intelligence sector. Allegations that these firms use mercenary hackers to gain competitive advantages erode trust in such organizations and raise questions about the legality of their methods.