This information was shared with Reuters by three sources familiar with the matter.

The FBI has declined to comment on the matter.

DCI, a public relations firm that has represented hedge funds and multinationals, stated in a written response that they ensure all employees and consultants adhere to the law.

Forlit was arrested at London's Heathrow Airport on April 30 on American cybercrime and wire fraud charges.

The involvement of DCI in the US probe into cybermercenary activity is a new development and has not been previously reported.

A London-based cybersecurity consultant named Forlit was arrested and released twice in connection to a "hack for hire" scheme.

Prosecutors have not identified the clients involved, but one is believed to be a Washington-based PR and lobbying firm.

Forlit denies ever commissioning or paying for hacking.

The FBI has previously investigated the cybermercenary industry.

Aviram Azari, an Israeli private investigator, was convicted and sentenced to 6.6 years in connection with an inquiry.

Forlit, a businessman, admitted to hiring Azari for work.

Three associates claimed Forlit was worried about being investigated by American law enforcement due to Azari's arrest and had a meeting with the FBI at the US embassy in London in late 2021 to assess the risk of arrest.

The associates spoke anonymously about the private conversations.

Aviation executive Farhad Azima is suing Forlit in New York federal court, accusing the Israeli company of being involved in the theft of his emails in 2016.

Forlit denies the allegations.

Court records related to Azima's litigation reveal that Forlit had business dealings with DCI Group.

A Citibank document made public in August 2022 as part of Azima's discovery effort in Florida shows Forlit (then known as SDC-Gadot) listing DCI as one of its three major customers.

Citibank declined to comment on the document.