Scarlett Johansson Leaked Photos 2011: FBI Probe Began Before Nude Pictures Surfaced
The FBI has honed in on a group of hackers believed to be responsible for the stolen pictures from Scarlett Johansson's phone, but it appears federal investigators began the hacking probe long before nude photos of the actress were leaked.
The investigation began in 2010 following theft reports from several Hollywood figures whose phones and computers had been hacked, a source told the Los Angeles Times.
FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller told the LA Times last week that the department was looking into "a series of computer intrusions" by hackers who had gotten a hold of delicate photographs, including Johansson's.
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"I can confirm that the FBI is investigating a series of computer intrusions targeting high-profile figures," Eimiller said.
Eimiller did not name any hacking victims, but TMZ claims that more than 50 celebrities have been hacked, including Jessica Alba, Vanessa Hudgens, Lindsey Vonn, Ali Larter, and Emma Caulfield.
Johansson employed FBI help Wednesday, September 14 after the nude photos appeared on the Internet. One of the leaked photos reportedly features a topless Johansson lying on a luxurious white blanket. Another picture, which the actress apparently took herself, showed rear-view shots as she modeled in a full-length mirror.
To date no one has claimed responsibility for the leaked photographs and sources close to Johansson said the FBI was investigating what is being considered a "criminal act."
There have been a number of Hollywood stars that had been hacked by a group known as Hollywood Leaks, including Miley Cyrus and Tom Cruise.
Mila Kunis has been the latest starlet to be hacked.
Private photos of the "Black Swan" star were leaked online Sept. 15. Among the pictures were shots of "Friends with Benefits" co-star Justin Timberlake and photos of an unidentified nude male.
TMZ reports that of the four photos belonging to Kunis that have been leaked, two of them feature Timberlake.
A source close to pop singer told reporters that the unknown naked man was not Timberlake, according to TMZ.
Reps for both Kunis and Timberland told People magazine: "At no time did Mr. Timberlake and Ms. Kunis exchange inappropriate texts or emails. ... The insistence that there is any inappropriate correspondence between the two parties is entirely false."
