Categories: Entertainment

Madonna leak probe: Hacking suspect arrested in Israel

A man suspected of hacking into the computers of pop stars including Madonna and selling unreleased songs online has been arrested in Israel.

Israeli police said the man was suspected of stealing work from several unnamed international stars.

A private investigator connected to the case confirmed Madonna was among them.

Madonna rush-released a number of new songs last month after demos and unfinished mixes from her new album Rebel Heart made their way online.

The singer called the leak “a form of terrorism.”

Her manager Guy Oseary said the “devastating” action had prompted the surprise release of six songs from Rebel Heart in December, months earlier than planned.

Asher Wizman, the owner of a private investigation firm in Israel, told the Reuters news agency he was contacted by Madonna’s team several weeks ago after rumors of an Israeli connection to the leak.

“Our investigator found her computers, at home and at a studio, were broken into from a computer in Israel,” he told Reuters.

“We tracked down the computer, and the man behind it. After gathering enough evidence, we turned to the police and he was arrested today.”

Police did not immediately name the 39-year-old man, although local reports identified him as a former contestant on one of Israel’s TV talent shows.

“He is suspected of computer hacking, copyright violation and fraudulent receipt of goods,” a police spokesman said.

“During the investigation it appeared the suspect had broken into the computers of a number of international artists, stole unreleased demos and final tracks and sold them over the internet.”

No charges have yet been filed.

Madonna is due to perform songs from Rebel Heart album at the Grammy Awards next month, while she is also rumored to be appearing at the Brits.

Rebel Heart sees her working with songwriter and producer Ryan Tedder and dance producer Diplo, who said he had written three “amazing smashes” with Madonna.

The arrest in Israel comes a day after Bjork was forced to release her new album Vulnicura two months ahead of schedule after it leaked over the weekend.

r89JcW8mN9E
Sonia Pantiss

Sonia is the heart and the artist of the team. She loves art and all that it implies. As Sonia says, good music, a well directed movie, or attending a music or film festival melts people’s heart and make them better. She is great at painting and photography. Working on scrapbooks is her favorite activity.

Recent Posts

Donald Trump and Elon Musk Celebrate Election Victory at UFC 309

Image source: Wikimedia Commons President-elect Donald Trump celebrated his election victory at the Ultimate Fighting…

4 days ago

White House 2024: Donald Trump Wins, Kamala Harris Calls Him to Concede Election

Millions of voters across the US chose to return Donald Trump to the White House…

2 weeks ago

Who Won? Donald Trump Declares Victory as He Addresses Jubilant Supporters in Florida

Donald Trump declares victory in the US election as he addresses jubilant supporters in Florida.…

2 weeks ago

Stocks Soaring as Donald Trump Closes in on US Victory

Stocks around the world are rising as Donald Trump appears to be on the cusp…

2 weeks ago

Who Won? Kamala Harris Cancels Election Night Party as Path to Victory Narrows

Donald Trump has won Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Georgia and taken a lead over Kamala…

2 weeks ago

Quincy Jones Dead at 91

Quincy Jones, the celebrated musician and producer who worked with Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, Ray…

2 weeks ago