There has been a data leak of Tesla owners. The details have been published on a website called ‘dogequest.’ The cybercriminals behind the website claim that the names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses posted on the website belong to Tesla owners. The bad actors have published messages explaining that the interactive map’s purpose is to empower protesters to engage in creative expressions of protest. The criminals behind the website appear to be fueled by Elon Musk’s political involvement over the last couple of years. 

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Political motives behind the Tesla data exposure

However, almost no one is happy with ‘dogequest’. The DNC has been the party that paved the way for electric cars in the USA, and the Tesla owners exposed in the list are likely predominantly democrat voters, which puts people who also probably disagree with Elon Musk’s political views under threat of vandalism. Elon Musk himself was not happy with ‘dogequest’ either, reminding his hundreds of millions of followers on X that encouraging the destruction of Tesla vehicles throughout the country is unacceptable and it is an example of ‘extreme domestic terrorism’. 

Tesla cars and properties under attack after data leak

Even though the website remains unstable, constantly on and off, the database continues to be available online. The hackers behind the attack said they would be happy to remove any data entry from the website if an owner proved that the Tesla car on their website had been sold.

The website has likely been used as a tool for criminals to look for cars to vandalize. Over the last week, there have been numerous incidents of rioters targeting electric vehicles by spray-painting obscenities and shooting at the cars. There are also cases of rioters attacking Tesla dealerships with Molotov cocktails. Sometimes, swastikas are sprayed on the Tesla cars of people with Jewish heritage.

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Government response to Tesla data leak and vandalism

Attorney General Pamela Bondi echoed Elon Musk’s words. She confirmed that “the swarm of violent attacks on Tesla property and cars is nothing short of domestic terrorism.” She said that she plans to use the full force of justice to catch the perpetrators. They are putting lives in danger with such hideous acts. Pam Bondi reminded everyone that criminals engaging in acts of violence against Tesla vehicles and property could face up to twenty years in prison. The interactive map on ‘dogequest’ not only includes registered addresses of Tesla vehicles. It could also lead vandals to Tesla showrooms, dealerships, and Tesla supercharger stations. ‘Dogequest’ also has details about DOGE employees, such as addresses and names.

It is still unclear who is behind the website. And the source of the data used in the interactive map remains a mystery. The FBI and other government agencies are now working to find out more about the people associated with ‘dogequest’.