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Hackers Hit Sarko's Bank Account

The timing isn't great for leader calling for financial system overhauls

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 19, 2008 11:50 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Small amounts of money began disappearing from Nicolas Sarkozy's bank account in September, and prosecutors now confirm that an ongoing investigation has not yet identified the "swindlers." The hackers are thought to have obtained the French prez's account information and password, reports the Telegraph. The theft comes at an awkward time for Sarkozy.

France currently holds the rotating presidency of the European Union. Prior to this weekend's meetings with President Bush, the French leader called for "ambitious and pragmatic solutions" to revamp the world's financial system. His own experience "proves that this system of checking (bank accounts) via the Internet isn't infallible," said a Cabinet spokesman.

France currently holds the revolving presidency of the European Union, making it all the more embarassing that French hackers have been milking his bank account.
France currently holds the revolving presidency of the European Union, making it all the more embarassing that French hackers have been milking his bank account.   (AP Photo/Charles Platiau, Pool)
French President Nicolas Sarkozy first complained to authorities in September that small sums were disappearing from his bank account.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy first complained to authorities in September that small sums were disappearing from his bank account.   (AP Photo/POOL - Jacques Nadeau)
The announcement that Nicolas Sarkozy's bank account had been hacked came at an awkward time: during talks between the French President and President Bush on the world financial crisis.
The announcement that Nicolas Sarkozy's bank account had been hacked came at an awkward time: during talks between the French President and President Bush on the world financial crisis.   (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
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Account isn't Sarko's only private info going public
BBC

 
Nicolas Sarkozy • France • theft • hackers • financial crisis • online banking

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