Ethical Hacking News
The Metropolitan Police Service (Met Police) has suspended its use of digital forensics software from Oxygen Forensics, a US-based company, amid allegations that the software was secretly developed in Moscow and was being used by Russian nationals. The Met Police had signed a three-year deal with Oxygen in December 2023 to use its software for extracting and analyzing data from phones and other devices seized during investigations. The allegations have sparked concerns about the potential compromise of sensitive information and the use of software with Russian links in UK investigations. The Met Police has stated that it has paused its use of the software while it carries out a full review, and that it does not share any data obtained from investigations with Oxygen Forensics.
The Metropolitan Police Service (Met Police) has suspended its use of digital forensics software from Oxygen Forensics due to allegations of Russian involvement.The software was allegedly developed in Moscow and sold to Russian government agencies under different product names.The Met Police has paused its use of the software while it carries out a full review and does not share data with Oxygen Forensics.Other UK police forces using Oxygen products have been advised to carry out assessments and suspend the software pending review.Experts have raised concerns about the completeness of the allegations, but the Met Police has taken the allegations seriously.
The Metropolitan Police Service (Met Police) has suspended its use of digital forensics software from Oxygen Forensics, a US-based company, amid allegations that the software was secretly developed in Moscow and was being used by Russian nationals. The Met Police had signed a three-year deal with Oxygen in December 2023 to use its software for extracting and analyzing data from phones and other devices seized during investigations.
The allegations against Oxygen Forensics were made by US prosecutors, who claimed that the company presented itself as an independent American company despite being owned and controlled by five Russian nationals through a Cyprus-based holding company. The US Department of Justice alleged that Oxygen's software was developed in Moscow and was sold to customers in Russia under different product names, including the Federal Security Service (FSB), the Russian Investigative Committee, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
The allegations have sparked concerns about the potential compromise of sensitive information and the use of software with Russian links in UK investigations. The Met Police has stated that it has paused its use of the software while it carries out a full review, and that it does not share any data obtained from investigations with Oxygen Forensics.
The National Police Chiefs' Council has also been advised to carry out its own assessments of Oxygen Forensics and to undertake proportionate local assessments and activity to understand and contain any issues that are identified. Other UK police forces that use Oxygen products have also been encouraged to carry out their own assessments and to suspend the software pending an assessment.
The allegations against Oxygen Forensics have also been met with skepticism by some experts, who argue that the allegations are based on incomplete information and that there is no conclusive evidence to support the claims. However, the Met Police has taken the allegations seriously and has taken steps to suspend its use of the software until further notice.
In response to the allegations, Oxygen Forensics has released a statement denying any wrongdoing and asserting that the company is committed to transparency and compliance with all relevant laws and regulations. The company has also stated that it is cooperating fully with the US Department of Justice's investigation into the allegations.
The incident highlights the importance of due diligence and vetting when it comes to the use of third-party software in law enforcement investigations. It also underscores the need for transparency and accountability in the use of technology by law enforcement agencies.
The Met Police's decision to suspend its use of Oxygen Forensics software is a prudent one, given the potential risks associated with using software with Russian links in UK investigations. The agency's commitment to transparency and accountability is a welcome step, and it is essential that the agency continues to prioritize the integrity of its investigations and the protection of sensitive information.
As the investigation into the allegations against Oxygen Forensics continues, it is essential that the Met Police and other law enforcement agencies take a thorough and transparent approach to assessing the risks and benefits of using third-party software in their investigations. The public has a right to know about the use of technology in law enforcement investigations, and it is essential that agencies prioritize transparency and accountability in their use of software and other tools.
In conclusion, the Met Police's decision to suspend its use of Oxygen Forensics software is a necessary step to ensure the integrity of its investigations and the protection of sensitive information. The agency's commitment to transparency and accountability is a welcome step, and it is essential that the agency continues to prioritize the integrity of its investigations and the protection of sensitive information.
Related Information:
https://www.ethicalhackingnews.com/articles/Met-Police-Suspects-Russian-Ties-in-Digital-Forensics-Software-Used-in-UK-Investigations-ehn.shtml
https://www.theregister.com/software/2026/10/02/met-police-suspends-use-of-phone-hacking-software-over-russian-links/5300549
Published: Fri Oct 2 05:12:54 2026 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M
