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France Probes Suspected State-Linked Ferry Malware as Latvian Crewman Is Charged

Counterespionage agents are examining a remote access tool found on GNV’s Fantastic after Italian intelligence tipped them off.

Overview

  • The Paris prosecutor opened a case into an organized attack serving a foreign power, with the DGSI leading and officials describing the incident as possible foreign interference.
  • A Latvian crew member who recently joined the Fantastic was charged with conspiracy and hacking to benefit a foreign power, remains detained after transfer to Paris, and a Bulgarian colleague was released.
  • Italian intelligence warned of RAT-style malware on the ferry in Sète, the DGSI conducted an emergency inspection and seized items, and maritime authorities cleared the vessel to resume service after checks.
  • Eurojust and Latvian authorities supported cross-border searches as investigators pursue the multinational angles of the probe.
  • GNV says it detected and neutralized the intrusion without consequences, while maritime cybersecurity experts caution that remotely seizing control of a ship is highly unlikely.