Offshore law firm hacked, financial data leaked

Appleby, the fourth-largest offshore law firm, announced it fell victim to a cyberattack that took place in 2016. Based on a number of leaked private documents about the company”s clients and their financial activity, the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) is investigating the Bermuda-based company and its business work, according to a report by the Telegraph.

“There is no evidence of any wrongdoing, either on the part of ourselves or our clients,” Appleby stated, in reply to the allegations made and requests from media organizations. “We refute any allegations which may suggest otherwise and we would be happy to cooperate fully with any legitimate and authorized investigation of the allegations by the appropriate and relevant authorities.”

The company insists its activity is legal, and illegal behavior is not accepted. Calling the allegations “unfounded and based on a lack of understanding of the legitimate and lawful structures used in the offshore sector,” Appleby said the documents were obtained illegally and their exposure could put “innocent parties” at risk of further attacks.

Following the 2016 breach, the company worked with an IT Forensics team to strengthen its infrastructure, which it now considers secure.

Appleby has offices in Bermuda, the British tax havens of British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Guernsey, the Isle of Man, Jersey, Mauritius and the Seychelles, and is responsible for handling the business of many of the world”s richest people, including financial institutions and Fortune 500 companies.