UK: Hacker Mathew Bevan arrested for USAF breach
British hacker Mathew Bevan was arrested on June 21, 1996, for unauthorized access to USAF, NASA, and NATO systems, claiming to have found files on anti-gravity aircraft at Wright-Patterson AFB. The case was dropped 18 months later with a full acquittal.
Background
Incident
On June 21, 1996, the British hacker Mathew Bevan was arrested. He had infiltrated sensitive computer systems belonging to the US Air Force, NASA, and NATO, among them facilities at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Bevan said he had downloaded emails from staff concerning a secret USAF antigravity aircraft.
Investigations and Charges
The arrest was made by British authorities in connection with cyberattacks on military networks. Bevan, also known as Kuji, had earlier worked with Richard Pryce (Datastream Cowboy) on hacks of the Rome Laboratory in New York. Investigators found unauthorised files and set an "electronic trap" to observe the intruders.
Court Proceedings
At Woolwich Crown Court 18 months later, the Crown Prosecution Service offered no evidence, on the grounds that it was no longer in the public interest. This led to a full acquittal. Specific UFO-related details from Wright-Patterson were removed from the charges, which fed speculation about a cover-up.
Significance
The case highlights early cyberthreats to sensitive US military technology and links to UFO research. It prompted debate about transparency in UAP matters and about hacking motives beyond espionage.