"He’s been linked to someone called “The Hawk.” He named his company “This Isn’t a Dentist’s Office.” The feds say he hacked American environmentalists."
"For decades, an Israeli private investigator named Amit Forlit has operated on the edges of international intrigue while rubbing elbows with powerful figures.
Mr. Forlit claims to have served in Shin Bet, Israel’s internal security agency. He dated a prominent Israeli businesswoman and social-media figure who photographed him at exclusive parties. And he may or may not have inspired a hacker-for-hire character in a 2022 novel about murky financial shenanigans involving Argentine debt.
These were mostly bit parts in other people’s dramas. Until now.
Today Mr. Forlit, wearing an ankle monitor while remaining in the New York City area, awaits trial in a globe-spanning hacking case where he is the central character. Prosecutors with the Justice Department have charged him with overseeing an operation that aimed to discredit American environmentalists, allegedly on behalf of a huge oil company. He has pleaded not guilty."
Karen Zraick and Gabby Sobelman report for the New York Times October 14, 2026.
