French intelligence agency DGSI has launched an investigation into an unprecedented incident at the port of Sète, where malware was discovered on the passenger ferry Fantastic. This involves a "remote access Trojan" (RAT) that allowed hackers to remotely control the vessel's operating systems, with over 2,000 passengers on board. This is reported by AFP, writes UNN.
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A Latvian citizen, who was part of the crew, has been arrested on suspicion of involvement in the cyberattack. The French prosecutor's office has officially charged him with an attack by an organized group in the interests of a foreign state. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez called the case extremely serious, hinting that Russia is often behind such actions, although the aggressor country has not yet been officially named.
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The operation was made possible thanks to close international cooperation, as searches were conducted simultaneously in France and Latvia with the support of Eurojust. Investigators are currently determining whether the attackers intended to change the ship's course or cause a disaster. At the same time, the detainee's lawyer insists that the version of Russian interference is exaggerated and that the investigation will later refute the press's fears.
After a thorough inspection by intelligence experts and the seizure of evidence, the vessel was deemed safe and allowed to return to service.