Australian swim star Shayna Jack involved in chilling extortion attempt from overseas hackers
Australian swim star Shayna Jack has spoken for the first time since becoming the target of a vicious extortion attempt as she appeals a four-year doping ban. SHOCKING DETAILS INSIDE
Swimming
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A stressed but unperturbed Shayna Jack is refusing to hide after being the target of an extortion attempt with the Australian swimmer emerging to declare she’s “back”.
In a disturbing twist to Jack’s bid to clear her name, the 21-year-old has become the face of a chilling cyber-attack which included a demand for money by overseas hackers who also threatened Jack in a series of disturbing messages on Facebook with the claim, “I can see what you’re doing at all times.’’
However, in a sign of strength as she fights to clear her name and avoid a four-year ban for alleged banned substance use, Jack posted a picture of herself and a message on Facebook on Tuesday night.
“Everyone I am back!,’’ Jack posted.
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“I promise this is not a hack now. It has been a long and stressful two days of trying to out smart this person.
“Fingers crossed I no longer have to deal with this and that I can get my stuff back and protect my information.
“Appreciate all the help throughout this process. Here is proof its me, cause what else would I post about...MY DOGS.’’
As first reported by The Daily Telegraph, more than six messages have been sent directly to the 21-year-old’s Facebook page since Monday before her account was hacked in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
The hackers posted on Jack’s account: “I regret I used doping in the 2017 Olympics.’’
The post had a potential reach of several thousand fans and followers, some of which wouldn’t have realised the 2017 Olympics never existed.
However it led Jack’s lawyer Tim Fuller to claim her upcoming hearing with the Court of Arbitration had been prejudiced as a result of the attack: “In our opinion this prejudices her case, to a certain extent.
“Even though it’s not with the court, in the court of public opinion it doesn’t help does it?”She’s very upset. It’s disgraceful.’’The hackers first messaged Jack via Facebook on Monday stating they were going to post photos of her - unrelated to her anti-doping matter - unless she pays.
“If you don’t pay - you will regret this,’’ the message read.
“Did you really use them (banned substances), does that mean you can’t swim again?
The 20-year old tested positive to the banned substance Ligandrol before last year‘s World Swimming Championships in South Korea.
As a result of the first message, an upset Jack informed Queensland Police on Monday while she also immediately employed an IT specialist to help secure her personal details.
She also deleted her Instagram account.
But then on Monday night, at around 9.40pm, Jack received another message that read: “I‘m in a different country, you can’t do anything against me, you have to pay.” I can see what you’re doing at all times.’’
Advised not to communicate with the hackers, Jack failed to respond. Another message arrived at 3am on Tuesday morning which said: “I will share something that will disturb you, if you do not answer.‘’
Jack again failed to respond and then only a few hours later “I regret I used doping in the 2017 Olympics,” appeared on her feed.
Jack has been left shattered by the blackmail attempt and under the CAS code and statute, she was required to inform the sports arbitrator of any development that could lead to a major ramifications to her appeal.
“I wrote to CAS prior to the final message, explaining that she isn‘t responsible and that while we don’t anticipate any publications (being posted by the hackers), we couldn’t guarantee that,’’ the statement read.
A date for Jack’s CAS appeal remains confidential with the Olympic prospect adamant she’s no cheat.