Because its hardware was apparently utilized by a paramilitary unit accused of extrajudicial killings, torture, and enforced disappearances, Israeli manufacturer Cellebrite has chosen to stop supplying its phone-hacking technology to Bangladesh.
In an article published on Tuesday, the Israeli publication Haaretz revealed this information.
Cellebrite’s board has also authorized the development of a special advisory group to ensure that “ethical issues” are also taken into account in future transactions, according to documents filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission in August, according to the article.
“Law enforcement agencies all over the world can use Cellebrite’s “digital forensic” technologies. The Universal Forensic Extraction Device is Cellebrite’s flagship product. Without the owner’s consent, the device allows for the extraction of data from locked mobile phones as well as their physical location. Cellebrite’s major customers are Western police departments, but it also sells its devices in other countries, including Bangladesh, at least until now.”
It was attempted to contact Asaduzzaman Khan, the home minister, for comment on the situation, but he could not be reached.
Haartez was founded in 1918 and publishes in both Hebrew and English. The tabloid is noted for taking left-wing and liberal positions on domestic and international issues.
