PARIS -- France's counterespionage agency is investigating a suspected cyberattack plot targeting an international passenger ferry, authorities said Wednesday.France and other European allies of Ukraine allege that Russia is waging “hybrid warfare” against them, using sabotage, assassinations, cyberattacks, disinformation and other hostile acts that are often hard to quickly trace back to Moscow.Nunez told public broadcaster France Info that “individuals tried to gain access to a ship’s data-processing system." He described it as "a very serious affair." Asked if the suspected intention was to hijack the vessel, he said: “We don’t know."He added: "The investigators appear to be following a trail of interference ...foreign interference.”Police on Friday arrested two of the ferry's crew members — one Latvian, the other Bulgarian — who Italian authorities had identified as suspects, the prosecutor’s office said.The Bulgarian was subsequently released without charge after questioning.Popular ReadsRob Reiner's son arrested for murder in stabbing death of famed director, wifeDec 15, 6:39 PMHouse GOP unveils health care measure that does not extend ACA subsidiesDec 13, 11:45 AMTrump admin live updates: Trump pardons former entertainment exec indicted by own DOJDec 4, 6:23 AMThe Latvian national is being held on a preliminary criminal conspiracy charge and two preliminary charges of hacking-related offenses with the goal of serving the interests of an unnamed foreign power, the prosecutor’s office said.
___AP European Security Correspondent Emma Burrows in London contributed.
