malicious

“There’s no evidence of a malicious intent on my part to undermine the mission of the FBI,” Baca said.

Mr Rangarajan admits that the hackers could have caused major disruption if they have installed malicious software or hampered communications during an election.

In August, USA Today reported that ICE sent an email solicitation to deputies nationwide, leading the head of the National Sheriff’s Assn. to call the move “either galactically stupid or purposefully malicious.”

But the hacker would not say if they have successfully stolen private data from JLR or installed malicious software onto the company's network.

A 59-year-old man from Great Harwood was arrested earlier by Lancashire Police on suspicion of malicious communications and has since been released under investigation.