Former Security Official and Associates Arrested in Major Data Breach Investigation
In a significant development in Spain's law enforcement landscape, the National Police have apprehended Francisco Martínez, the former Secretary of State for Security during Mariano Rajoy's administration. The arrests took place on Tuesday and also included notorious hacker José Luis Huertas, known as Alcasec, and YouTuber Álvaro Martín, who was detained in Andorra.
This ongoing investigation, led by Judge María Tardón at the National Court, is shrouded in secrecy due to the sensitive nature of the allegations. Authorities are investigating charges that include money laundering, unauthorized revelation of secrets via computer system intrusions, appropriation and transfer of confidential data, and organized crime.
According to information obtained by El Independiente and confirmed by sources from EFE, the arrested individuals are suspected of engaging in the exfiltration of data from both public and private entities. They allegedly marketed this stolen data and laundered the financial gains generated from these illicit activities.
Defending sources close to Francisco Martínez assert that he had a limited role in the alleged crimes. They revealed to Europa Press that Martínez had previously acted as Alcasec's lawyer during his minor years. Furthermore, it is claimed that the former Deputy Minister of the Interior helped establish two companies for the hacker in exchange for 1500 euros, but these companies were not managed or administered by him.
Alcasec, a recurrent figure in the cybercrime arena, was previously arrested by the National Court. He faced prosecution last January for his involvement in a cyberattack that led to the theft of crucial data from the Judicial Neutral Point (PNJ), and he was re-arrested in May 2024.
As the investigation continues to unfold, the public awaits further updates while concerns about cybersecurity and data protection remain heightened in the face of organized crime's growing capabilities.
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