Lady Gaga, Rihanna caught in star-hacking scam

German police are investigating the existence of a major cyber crime ring after two young Germans confessed to hacking into the private computers of more than 50 pop stars, including Lady Gaga, Justin Timberlake and Rihanna, and downloading unreleased music which they then sold on.

The two Germans, aged 17 and 23, also obtained credit card details, private emails and photographs including a picture of Ke$ha, the American rapper, reportedly naked and having sex. According to German media, they tried but failed to blackmail her.

The hacking came to light after Kelly Clarkson, who came to fame after winning the first series of American Idol in 2002, learned from fans that unreleased music was available online. An FBI inquiry led to Germany where the federal police have taken up the investigation.

The two men, from the Duisburg area, have not been charged with any crime while police try establish the breadth of the operation.

Duisburg prosecutor Rolf Haferkamp said: "We are talking about illegal bootlegged publication and spying on data using Trojans... The trick itself is nothing special. All it requires is a bit of know-how and perseverance to achieve criminal success."

Sven Kilthau-Lander, who handles German publicity at Universal Music for Lady Gaga and Rihanna, said: "It's really frightening. One can't feel safe anywhere." ·