Police investigators believe two eavesdropping devices found inside a Europort restaurant placed on the underside of a table, could be related to comparable bugging cases in 2014 that targeted financial executives and prominent lawyers.
Past Devices
The two bugs discovered were reportedly alike another found underneath a table located in a boardroom in Atlantic Suites on Europort Avenue at the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission several years ago. The Eavesdropping devices were allegedly crude devices that could be easily bought by anyone and are increasingly being used.
Police began an investigation in 2014 when a tracking device was discovered on a motorbike belonging to one of Gibraltar’s foremost law firm’s senior partners. As the investigation took its course, it was discovered that others in the legal and financial circles had been targeted including at least three other senior figures. One of those targeted had had their office bugged with a similar device to those uncovered recently. Although unable to prove undoubtably, investigators were supposedly led to suspect that the cases could be linked.
Recently Discovered
The devices that were recently found have now been examined after being removed by the police. It was established by the investigators that the listening bugs almost definitely dated back a number of years and at the time of removal, were inactive. The restaurant in which they were removed from, is reportedly popular with lawyers and finance centre workers and it was staff at the restaurant that discovered these two most recent devices while fixing a damaged table-top. Allegedly, the discovered bugs were cheap variants which can be purchased easily. Although the investigation stays ongoing, police have recognised that it could be difficult to isolate who conceived the surveillance operation.
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