Cellebrite DI Ltd
Israeli digital forensics firm providing phone hacking and data extraction tools used by law enforcement globally, with documented use against journalists, activists, and by authoritarian regimes
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Documented misuse by authoritarian regimes in Serbia, Myanmar, China, and Hong Kong; suspended Serbian operations after Amnesty International expose; Signal disclosed critical software vulnerabilities; faces potential litigation over facilitating human rights abuses
NASDAQ-listed company valued at ~$4bn with 23% revenue growth; heavy dependence on government contracts creates vulnerability to public pressure; documented human rights abuses create ESG compliance risks for institutional investors
Implicated in persecution of journalists in Myanmar (Reuters case), surveillance of Hong Kong protesters, phone extraction from Palestinian detainees in Gaza, and enabling Serbian spyware installations; condemned by Amnesty International, Access Now, and AFSC
Technology continues reaching authoritarian regimes through resellers despite announced withdrawals; Signal vulnerability disclosures undermined forensic evidence credibility; acquired Corellium for $200m to expand capabilities
Strategic Analysis
In-depth assessment of the company's position, vulnerabilities, and recommended approaches for effective engagement.
High severity, high vulnerability — campaigns with the best chance of making an impact
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Why do these scores change?
Unlike static boycott lists, our targeting model is dynamic. This company's position on the matrix is re-evaluated continually as we verify new contracts, divestments, or policy changes. Your reporting directly impacts this score.
Cellebrite represents a critical B2B/G2B target as an Israeli-headquartered digital forensics company whose Universal Forensic Extraction Device (UFED) technology has been documented in human rights abuses across five continents. Founded by IDF Unit 8200 alumni, the company exemplifies the commercialisation of Israeli military surveillance technology, with $48.6m+ in US immigration enforcement contracts and direct use against Palestinian detainees during the 2023-2025 Gaza war. The February 2025 Serbia suspension following Amnesty International's exposure demonstrates significant vulnerability to human rights pressure campaigns.
Key Leverage Points
- US Government Contract Dependency: Over $70m in documented contracts with ICE, CBP, DOJ, and FBI create vulnerability to congressional oversight, FOIA litigation, and public accountability campaigns
- Documented Authoritarian Abuse Pattern: Use by regimes in Serbia, Myanmar, China, Hong Kong, Bangladesh, and elsewhere provides extensive evidence base for human rights-focused investor engagement
- NASDAQ ESG Exposure: As a publicly traded company (CLBT), Cellebrite faces pressure from institutional investors on ESG compliance and human rights due diligence
- Technical Credibility Damage: Signal's 2021 vulnerability disclosures undermined forensic evidence reliability, creating legal challenges to Cellebrite-derived evidence in court proceedings
Evidence Summary
The evidence base against Cellebrite is extensive and well-documented. Amnesty International's December 2024 "Digital Prison" report established the first forensically documented case of Cellebrite tools enabling spyware installation, with further cases confirmed through February 2025. The Intercept documented continued Chinese sales through resellers after announced market exits, demonstrating inadequate compliance controls. AFSC's investigation details $48.6m+ in ICE contracts since 2008, while Drop Site News reports Pentagon funding for tools used against Palestinians in Gaza. The Myanmar journalist case provides legal precedent for Cellebrite's role in persecuting press freedom, with two Reuters reporters sentenced to seven years using evidence extracted via Cellebrite technology.
Engagement Strategy
Target multiple pressure points simultaneously. Engage institutional investors (especially ESG-focused funds) with evidence of systematic human rights violations and governance failures. Support FOIA litigation seeking disclosure of US agency contracts and usage policies. Amplify Amnesty International reporting to increase reputational costs. Engage elected representatives to demand congressional hearings on surveillance technology exports and US agency procurement ethics. For B2B clients considering Cellebrite technology, emphasise legal liability risks from Signal's vulnerability disclosures and potential for evidence challenges in court proceedings. Frame divestment as compliance with emerging human rights due diligence legislation in EU and UK markets.
Evidence & Sources
Verified sources including NGO reports, regulatory filings, and primary documents. Use these to substantiate your correspondence.
Comprehensive documentation of $48.6m+ in ICE contracts, Israeli Police contracts, and use against Palestinian detainees during Gaza war
Open sourceReports Cellebrite used to extract data from phones of thousands of captured Palestinians, with Pentagon funding for Hamas operative mapping tools
Open sourceAmnesty confirms Cellebrite used against student activist arrested during Belgrade protests in December 2024, documenting further cases of misuse beyond original report
Open sourceInvestigation documents Serbian police using Cellebrite UFED to bypass phone security and install NoviSpy spyware on journalist and activist devices during detention
Open sourceAnalysis of human rights risks for Cellebrite investors, documenting sales to authoritarian regimes and complicity in abuses
Open sourceInvestigation reveals Chinese police continued purchasing Cellebrite technology through resellers after company announced China exit, including use in Tibet surveillance
Open sourceSignal founder Moxie Marlinspike documents critical security vulnerabilities in Cellebrite software including outdated DLLs from 2012, enabling arbitrary code execution
Open sourceDocuments Cellebrite technology use in case against Reuters journalists Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo who reported on Rohingya massacre, leading to seven-year sentences
Open sourceUpdates & Milestones
- Thomas Hogan Appointed CEO
Thomas E. Hogan confirmed as permanent CEO after serving as interim since January 2025
- Corellium Acquisition
Cellebrite acquires mobile device virtualisation company Corellium for $200m to expand security research capabilities
- Serbia Operations Suspended
Cellebrite announces suspension of products for 'relevant customers' in Serbia following Amnesty investigation
- Amnesty Exposes Serbian Spyware Link
Amnesty International documents Cellebrite used to enable NoviSpy spyware installation on journalist and activist phones in Serbia
- FBI Uses Unreleased Cellebrite Tech
FBI receives still-in-development Cellebrite software to unlock Trump assassination attempt suspect's phone within 40 minutes
- Myanmar Journalist Case
Reuters journalists Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo sentenced to seven years; Cellebrite technology used to extract phone data in prosecution
- Cellebrite Goes Public on NASDAQ
Company completes SPAC merger and begins trading on NASDAQ under ticker CLBT
- Signal Exposes Critical Vulnerabilities
Signal founder documents major security flaws in Cellebrite software, including ability to alter forensic reports without detection
- Chinese Police Continue Buying After 'Exit'
The Intercept reveals Chinese police continued purchasing Cellebrite through resellers, including use in Tibet surveillance
- Hong Kong and China Exit Announced
Following outcry over use against Hong Kong pro-democracy protesters, Cellebrite announces China/Hong Kong exit 'effective immediately'
- Cellebrite Founded
Company established in Petah Tikva, Israel; founders include IDF Unit 8200 alumni