Blackberry's BBM Reportedly Helps Expose Corruption Scandal In Brazil

According to several media outlets, BlackBerry Ltd BBRY has played a major role in helping Brazilian prosecutors expose a major corruption scandal at Petroleo Brasileiro Petrobras SA (ADR) PBR.

Apparently, the people allegedly involved in this graft ring had exchanged thousands of incriminating instant messages through BlackBerry Messenger (BBBM). Through a warrant, law enforcement authorities were able to access these communications.

“The digital sleuthing has led to criminal charges against more than 100 people as well as the investigation of close to 50 Brazilian politicians as part of a probe dubbed Operation Car Wash,” The Wall Street Journal said. “The scandal has rocked Brazil’s political establishment and the oil giant, known as Petrobras.”

“[The messages were] one of the reasons for the success of the case,” said federal prosecutor Deltan Dallagnol. Some of the people involved got quite sloppy, and provided strong proof to the prosecutors.

Shares of BlackBerry traded recently at $9.39, up 0.54 percent.