France opens probe into suspected Iran-directed cyberattacks on supermarket fridges

French judicial authorities have opened an investigation into cyberattacks targeting supermarket refrigeration systems across Europe, amid suspicions that Iranian authorities ordered the operations.

In France, an attack in mid-October targeted the systems used to control refrigerator temperatures in hundreds of stores.

In a statement issued on Monday, November 9, Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau said the judicial investigation targets the head of the Iranian group Shahid Kaveh and his two deputies. It also covers any other individuals whose involvement may be established during the inquiry.

Prosecutors describe Shahid Kaveh as a cyberoffensive unit affiliated with the Iranian Revolutionary Guards’ Electronic and Cyber Center. Investigators suspect Iranian authorities directed the attacks on supermarket refrigeration infrastructure.

The case has been referred to investigating judges, who will examine allegations of fraudulent interference with an automated data-processing system and property damage carried out by means dangerous to people. Both offenses are alleged to have been committed by an organized criminal group.