There may be some justice for Madonna‘s “Rebel Heart.” Israeli police have arrested a suspect in connection with the leak of new music from the legendary artist.
An alleged hacker, 39, was taken into custody police said Wednesday. The man stands accused of compromising the unreleased music of several prominent musicians, including Madonna, although investigators are not revealing the names of the other artists.
“The FBI has been working jointly with our counterparts in Israel to investigate the illegal acquisition and distribution of entertainment industry copyrighted material. As announced by Israeli authorities, an individual residing in Tel Aviv was arrested today in connection with this matter and the investigation continues,” a spokesperson for the FBI tells TheWrap.
“This case highlights the international scope of online criminal activity and the need for close cooperation between nations as we collectively identify and bring to justice those who pose a threat in cyberspace.”
The suspect “broke into the personal computers of several international artists over the past few months and stole promotional final-cut singles which have yet to be released and traded them online for a fee,” a statement from Lahav 433, an Israeli agency similar to the FBI, said.
“In light of the findings of the investigation the unit collaborated closely with the FBI, with suspicion of even more break-ins to computers owned by unknown international artists, stealing and selling their works.”
Two separate waves of Madonna leaks occurred before Christmas, prompting the early release of six new tracks from the singer’s forthcoming album “Rebel Heart.” Reps for Madonna have not yet returned TheWrap’s request for comment.
The released tracks include “Beautiful Scars,” “Tragic Girl,” “Freedom,” “Iconic,” “Nothing Lasts Forever” and “Veni Vidi Vici,” as well as “Back That Up (Do It),” a collaboration with Pharrell Williams.
At the time, Madonna vented her frustration on Instagram, saying she felt like she had been “violated as a human and an artist.” Madge will perform the new material for the first time at the 2015 Grammy Awards, which air live from the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Feb. 8 on CBS.