Media learns of investigation into cyberespionage by Exxon Mobil consultant$EOS $DOT $ICP

The FBI is investigating the activities of a long-time consultant to Exxon Mobil in connection with his alleged involvement in a hack and data leak that killed hundreds of critics of the oil company, Reuters reports, citing informed sources.

According to them, since late 2015, DCI Group, a PR company that was working for Exxon at the time, hired an Israeli private detective to carry out cyberattacks against environmentalists and activists.

The operation involved hired hackers, and the victims included Greenpeace, the Union of Concerned Scientists, the Rockefeller Family Fund, and former Democratic presidential candidate and billionaire environmentalist Tom Steyer.

Several environmental activists told the publication that the hacks had disrupted the preparations of various city and state attorneys general for lawsuits against Exxon and other energy companies.

The oil giant said the firm was "not involved in or aware of any hacking activity," calling the allegations "conspiracy theories." It is unclear whether Exxon itself is the subject of the investigation; the case is classified.