Russian authorities used Cellebrite's UFED forensic tool to break into the iPhone of detained opposition activist Andrey Pivovarov in June 2021, according to a June 25 report by Citizen Lab. This occurred three months after Cellebrite stated it would cease selling its tools and services to Russia and Belarus.
The finding highlights a potential gap in export controls or enforcement. The Citizen Lab report relies on forensic traces found on the phone itself, alongside an official Russian statement, to confirm the use of the Israeli-made tool.
Cellebrite's UFED tools are widely used by law enforcement to extract data from locked mobile devices. The incident raises questions about whether the tool reached Russian authorities through third-party channels or pre-existing stockpiles before the announced cutoff.
Pivovarov, a prominent opposition figure, was detained in 2021 on charges of extremism. The breach of his device suggests ongoing surveillance tactics by Russian security services, even against export restrictions.
The broader context underscores the challenges in controlling dual-use forensic technology, particularly when companies' self-imposed embargoes may lack robust verification or enforcement mechanisms.