Sources told Reuters that the operation, which involved mercenary hackers, successfully breached the email accounts of environmental activists and others.

The scheme allegedly began in late 2015, with US authorities contending that the names of the hacking targets were compiled by the DCI Group, a public affairs and lobbying company working for Exxon at the time.

 DCI then provided these names to an Israeli private detective, who, according to the source, outsourced the hacking.

Reuters determined that DCI subsequently leaked some of the stolen material to the media to push a narrative that Exxon was the target of a political vendetta aimed at destroying its business.

The Untouchables found that DCI shared the information with Exxon before leaking it.

Some environmental activists interviewed by Reuters claim the hacking operation disrupted preparations for lawsuits by cities and state attorneys general against Exxon and other energy companies.

The stolen material continues to be used today to counter litigation, claiming the oil giant misled the public and its investors about the risks of climate change.

The investigation into the hack-and-leak operation comes amid growing concern among law enforcement agencies worldwide about how such cyber espionage schemes threaten to taint judicial proceedings.

Reuters reported that the Untouchables have been investigating the broader use of mercenary hackers to tamper with lawsuits since early 2018.

The Israeli private detective hired by DCI, Amit Forlit, was arrested this year at London's Heathrow Airport and is fighting extradition to the United States on charges of hacking and wire fraud.

Federal prosecutors have fingered the collar of Forlit's former business associate, private investigator Aviram Azari. Azari pleaded guilty in 2022 to wire fraud, conspiracy to commit hacking, and aggravated identity theft, which included targeting environmental activists.