Computer hackers purportedly promoting an anti-Israel agenda broke into websites on Tuesday of the Sands Casino in Bethlehem, Pa., which is owned by conservative billionaire Sheldon Adelson, according to
The Morning Call.
The hackers left a message alluding to Adelson's uncompromising line
on Iran's atomic program. He has called for a nuclear warning shot in Iran's desert to signal U.S. determination.
Adelson is also a backer of Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Hackers wrote: "Damn A, don't let your tongue cut your throat. Encouraging the use of weapons of mass destruction, under any conditions, is a crime."
After taking over the site, the hackers displayed the Social Security numbers of the firm's Bethlehem employees. Other company-affiliated websites elsewhere, including the Las Vegas Sands casino, were also hacked, exposing the Social Security numbers, email addresses and job titles of workers. Some company email accounts were also apparently penetrated, according to The Morning Call.
The company temporarily took down its websites in Pennsylvania, Nevada, Singapore and Macau, China — on Tuesday afternoon. The sites were back up Wednesday morning.
Sands Corp. confirmed in a written statement that its websites had been hacked. It said the company was working with law enforcement to determine who was responsible, according to The Morning Call.
In addition to his support for Israel, Adelson is also a major benefactor of Republican candidates. most notably former House Speaker Newt Gingrich during his 2012 run for president. Forbes has estimated his wealth at $37 billion.
Breaking with other gambling companies, Adelson has recently been campaigning against Internet gambling in the United States.
The Sands Bethlehem, which includes a casino, hotel, and shopping mall, attract about 8 million visitors a year.
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