A cyber crook has stolen sensitive data from Jean-Marie Le Pen, a far-right contender for president of France. The breach may kill his chances of being able to run for the office.

The hacker used an internet site designed to break login credentials to gain access to a list of French officials who had tentatively agreed to back Le Pen, police said.

An employee with the candidate's National Front party, who used the computer that was breached, was briefly detained, according to Reuters.

Le Pen says opponents have worked to prevent officials, including mayors, parliamentarians and other politicians, from backing him. He asked police to investigate after suspecting a mole had leaked the list. Le Pen needs the endorsement of 500 of France's 42,000 elected officials by March 16 in order to run.

This marks France's second investigation into stolen election data in as many weeks. Last week, the Socialist party demanded an investigation into what it claims were several burglaries targeting its campaign team. ®

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