Some nude photo hackers could be US-based: Investigators

Many of the stars have contacted the FBI to investigate a ring of hackers and phishers who trade their purloined pictures to build a collection, and have hired high-powered lawyers to urge websites to take the photos down.

Investigators looking into the

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naked photos hacked

from celebrities including Jennifer Lawrence, Kim Kardashian, Rihanna and Amber Heard believe some of those responsible for the leak could be based in the US.

While two topless images of Rihanna appeared online via 4chan and Reddit on September 21, more than 50 nude snaps of Heard surfaced, along with intimate photos of Vanessa Hudgens, Kate Bosworth, Hope Solo and Gabrielle Union later.

In August, nude photos of Kate Upton, Jennifer Lawrence and others were leaked, reported the New York Post.

"This isn't one rogue hacker, this is the work of a ring of hackers. It will take time to track them down. The early theory is that at least some of those in the hacking ring are US-based because some of the names on the 'master list' are female actors or personalities who are only known to someone who watches US cable TV," an investigator said.