The cyber hackers that stole confidential information from the famous and wealthy clients of Graff jewellers have apologized to the Middle East’s royals whose details were leaked.

Conti was a Russian-based gang who carried out the bold ‘virtual Heist’. The Mail Sunday exposed the theft and Conti rushed to remove 69,000 Graff documents.

Personal details about Graff’s clients, including Donald Trump, Oprah Winfrey and David Beckham, featured in documents posted on the ‘dark web’ – but so too did those of powerful people in Qatar, the UAE and Saudi Arabia. 

They included Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, who is widely suspected of ordering the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi – a critic of the Saudi regime – three years ago.

Graff's client Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman's (pictured) personal details were leaked,= along with several public figures and celebrities on the 'dark web' by Conti, a Russian gang who did a 'virtual heist'  (file image)

Graff’s client Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman’s (pictured) personal details were leaked,= along with several public figures and celebrities on the ‘dark web’ by Conti, a Russian gang who did a ‘virtual heist’  (file image)

Conti issued an unusual press release, in which he promised that all information concerning members of the Saudi Arabian, UAE, and Qatari families would be removed without exposure or review.

“Our team apologizes to His Royal Honour Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and all other Royal Families names that were in the publication, for any inconvenience.”

Conti, praising Sunday’s Mail article, said that Conti’s analysis had been done to the best of its reporting standards and revealed some things we regret not having seen.

In an apparent effort to prevent revenge attacks, the hackers said only the 69,000 documents – representing one per cent of its total haul – had been leaked and that none of the stolen information ‘was sold on auctions or offered as samples, or revealed in any other capacity to any third party’. 

Conti is believed to have earned millions by blackmailing victims. It also stated that it would ‘implement a more rigorous data review process’, but threatened to release more stolen information that “will only focus on US citizens and EU citizens”. 

Conti launched a tirade against the West by saying: ‘Our goal was to publish as many of Graff’s financial information as possible concerning the US-UK EU Neo-liberal Plutocracy’s financial declarations regarding their nation’s collapse under the economic crisis.

Personal details about Graff's clients, including Donald Trump, Oprah Winfrey and David Beckham, featured in documents posted on the 'dark web' ¿ but so too did those of powerful people in Qatar, the UAE and Saudi Arabia

Personal details about Graff’s clients, including Donald Trump, Oprah Winfrey and David Beckham, featured in documents posted on the ‘dark web’ – but so too did those of powerful people in Qatar, the UAE and Saudi Arabia

“Stay Safe!” was the conclusion of the ‘press release”. Kind regards, Conti Team.

Cyber experts stated that Conti was worried about upsets Middle East leaders. This included the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, who has been accused of ordering cyber attacks against enemy countries in the past. He is also an ally to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Philip Ingram is a British former colonel of military intelligence. It is possible that we will never find out if or whereabouts any of the bodies are found.

Allan Liska of Recorded Future cyber security firm said that even ransomware organizations are vulnerable to political pressure. They may have had a discussion with someone at the Kremlin, who said that it was bad.

Cyber experts said Conti appeared worried about upsetting Middle East leaders, particularly the Crown Prince, who has reportedly ordered cyber attacks against enemies in the past and is an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin (stock image)

Cyber experts claimed Conti was worried about upseting leaders from the Middle East. This included the Crown Prince who has been accused of ordering cyber attacks on enemies in the past. (stock photo)

However, Emsisoft’s Brett Callow suggested that the statement might be a ruse to confuse investigators. He said that the words could have no meaning or be an attempt to obfuscate. “A lot of analysts believe that the Russian government pressured them into apologizing, and this could exactly be what Conti desired.

According to the MoS, Conti stole a large amount of materials, including invoices, client lists and receipts from Graff (a high-society jeweller based in London). Further revelations, experts say, could make customers embarrassed who may have purchased gifts for secret partners.

Along with Scotland Yard is being investigated by the Information Commissioner’s Office. They can impose severe penalties on companies who fail to protect customers’ data.

Conti leaked the first leak to 600 British customers. Graff spokesperson said, “We work with law enforcement and ICO while keeping affected customers informed of developments. We are committed to our clients. Their privacy is very important to us.

Some 600 British customers, including Formula 1 heiress Tamara Ecclestone and former footballer Frank Lampard, featured on the initial leak by Conti

Conti first leaked information about 600 British customers. They included Tamara Ecclestone (former Formula 1 heiress) and Frank Lampard (ex-footballer).