Russia suspected of hacking European ferry with ‘remote control’ spyware

In December 2025, French intelligence uncovered a sophisticated spying device on the passenger ferry Fantastic, operating between France, Italy, and North Africa. The device potentially allowed remote control of critical ship systems. French authorities detained two Eastern European crew members, charging one Latvian national with attempting to breach ship data systems in favor of a foreign power. The inquiry is managed by France's DGSI and is believed to be connected to Russian hybrid warfare operations targeting European civilian infrastructure. This occurred alongside a separate cyber intrusion into the French Interior Ministry's systems. The ferry was temporarily detained at the port of Sète to examine cybersecurity risks before being authorized to resume service. France continues to investigate the extent and implications of these actions amid heightened concerns about Russian espionage and sabotage activities in Europe.