Several national police and judicial authorities in Europe will immediately cease the use of Oxygen Forensics, a digital surveillance company accused of hiding its Russian ownership, after the publication Politico revealed that its digital investigation services have been sold to police forces across the continent.
The National Anticorruption Directorate (DNA) of Romania has announced for publication that it has begun procedures to terminate the contract for the “detective” type software of Oxygen Forensics, used for extracting and analyzing data from mobile phones in criminal investigations. The most recent annual license was purchased through a Romanian distributor on August 27, for 13,000 euros.
“Considering the recent information that has appeared in the public space about the company that produces this software, the National Anticorruption Directorate has initiated the necessary procedures to terminate the contractual obligations regarding this product,” DNA conveyed.
DNA added that its checks have not identified any indications that the data extracted or processed with the help of Oxygen would have been compromised.
In Latvia, the State Police has suspended the use of the software while it analyzes whether it will continue to use this technology. The police explained that officers had previously relied on the product for extracting and analyzing electronic data, but emphasized that its use was “strictly controlled”, being isolated from the employees’ work computers.
In the United Kingdom, the Metropolitan Police of London has suspended the use of Oxygen and launched a full review. The National Police Chiefs’ Council has also recommended forces using this technology to conduct their own checks.
Read more HERE