From EUobserver · · 1m 20s
Oxygen Forensics CEO Arrested for Russian Software Links
US tech CEO arrested after hiding Russian ownership of forensic software used by European security agencies.
In brief
US tech CEO arrested after hiding Russian ownership of forensic software used by European security agencies. US prosecutors say Oxygen Forensics CEO Lee Reiber and Russian owner Oleg Davydov concealed Russian ties to secure contracts with European governments after Ukraine invasion. Originally reported by EUobserver.
US prosecutors say Oxygen Forensics concealed Russian ownership
US prosecutors claim Oxygen Forensics hid its Russian owners and development location in Russia.
“US prosecutors say an American forensic tool concealed its Russian owners and its development in Russia.”
Oxygen Forensics software used by european security agencies
The tool helps investigators worldwide access data from mobile phones and computers.
“Used by numerous security agencies in Europe, Oxygen Forensics helps investigators worldwide access data from mobile phones and computers.”
Slovak ministry bought software in 2018
The Slovak interior ministry purchased the software in 2018 when links to Russia were not yet publicly known.
“The Slovak interior ministry bought the software in 2018 when links to Russia were not yet publicly known, then renewed the license multiple times.”
CEO Lee Reiber arrested in Idaho
Lee Reiber, a 55-year-old American, was arrested in Idaho on Sunday and released on bail.
“Reiber, a 55-year-old American, was arrested in Idaho on Sunday. On Tuesday (22 September), he appeared before a federal court there and was released on bail.”
Russian ownership via Cyprus shell company
The company hid its Russian ownership through a shell company in Cyprus and was developed in Russia.
“According to federal prosecutors in the US, the company hid its Russian ownership through a shell company in Cyprus and that its software was developed in Russia.”
Oxygen Forensics sold to multiple european governments
The tool was sold to government bodies in the US, UK, Czech Republic, Latvia, Romania, and Slovakia.
“Allegedly, this scam helped secure contracts for the forensic tool in the US, UK, Czech Republic, Latvia, Romania, and Slovakia.”
Slovak ministry suspends software use
The Slovak interior ministry suspended use of the software after US case was made public.
“The Slovak ministry also ordered a licence renewal in July 2024, under his successor Matúš Šutaj Eštok.”
The big picture
US prosecutors say Oxygen Forensics CEO Lee Reiber and Russian owner Oleg Davydov concealed Russian ties to secure contracts with European governments after Ukraine invasion.
