FBI Probes Exxon Mobil Hack-and-Leak Operation

The FBI is investigating a longtime consultant for Exxon Mobil over alleged involvement in a hack-and-leak operation targeting environmental activists and critics of the oil company. The operation, which reportedly began in late 2015, involved the DCI Group, a lobbying firm for Exxon, compiling lists of targets and outsourcing the hacking to mercenary hackers. Stolen emails were leaked to the media, purportedly to frame Exxon as a victim of political attacks, disrupting legal actions against the company similar to historic tobacco litigation. The leaked documents have been utilized in court to counter claims that Exxon misled stakeholders about climate change risks. While Exxon denies any wrongdoing, it has faced scrutiny due to the ongoing use of the stolen material in legal defenses, even after parting ways with DCI in 2020. Additionally, RBC Capital has downgraded its price target for Exxon, citing concerns over future capital expenditures and lower margins.