It has been confirmed that the FBI is now leading the search for the hacker who stole naked photographs of Jennifer Lawrence and a number of other high profile celebrities.
The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation is now actively investigating hacks that resulted in the leak of hundreds of celebrity nude photos, including those of actress Jennifer Lawrence, supermodel Kate Upton, and Nickelodeon star Victoria Justice.
Laura Eimiller , an official for the Bureau told the Los Angeles Times: "The FBI is aware of the allegations concerning computer intrusions and the unlawful release of material involving high profile individuals, and is addressing the matter.”
The images, which appeared on the 4chan image board and social media site Reddit, were leaked on Sunday afternoon. Jennifer Lawrence has since been searched over 5 million times on Google.
Lawrence’s publicist has released a statement that says she intends to pursue legal action against anyone posting the stolen photos. Upton’s publicist issued a similar statement.
In late 2010, the FBI launched Operation Hackerazzi to find the hacker who stole nude pictures from the iPhones and computers of Scarlett Johansson, Mila Kunis and other celebrities.
The investigationtook 11 months but eventually led to the arrest and prosecution of Christopher Chaney, a Florida hacker.
