WASHINGTON: The US Secret Service launched an investigation yesterday after hackers posted what they said was personal data and credit information of celebrities including First Lady Michelle Obama online.
The probe was opened over files which included personal information purportedly from FBI chief Robert Mueller, Vice President Joe Biden, former secretary of state Hillary Clinton and celebrities Beyonce and Jay-Z.
“We are investigating, but we will not comment due to... an ongoing investigation,” said Secret Service spokesman Max Milien.
The website, which was first reported by TMZ, posted what appeared to be reports from leading credit ratings agencies along with personal financial information and social security numbers.
Attorney General Eric Holder and celebrities including Britney Spears, Mel Gibson and Ashton Kutcher were also among those affected.
The White House declined to answer questions about the report and credit rating agencies involved — Transunion, Equifax, Experian — did not immediately comment.
The Secret Service, along with its duties in protecting the US president and his family, is also involved in investigations of financial fraud and counterfeiting.
UK queen cancels more events
LONDON: Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II will miss two more events this week despite making a good recovery from an illness that saw her hospitalised last week, Buckingham Palace said yesterday.
The 86-year-old was unable to attend the Commonwealth Day service in London’s Westminster Abbey on Monday as she was still suffering symptoms of gastroenteritis.
She was admitted to hospital for the first time in 10 years last week and was discharged after an overnight stay.
“The Queen continues to make a good recovery following her recent illness, and today she presented The Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry and held a series of Audiences,” Buckingham Palace said in a statement.
But it added that “regrettably” she would no longer attend an engagement at the so-called Tech City area of London on Wednesday or the Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Scriptures Association Service at the Guards Chapel on Thursday.
“Her Majesty will, however, continue with the usual rhythm of business at Buckingham Palace, including holding a Privy Council meeting tomorrow,” the palace said. “The Queen hopes to resume her programme of official engagements next week.”
AFP
