FBI investigating 11 attacks on Calif. fiber-optic lines

Federal authorities are investigating eleven incidents of fiber-optic lines being cut in the Bay Area of California.

The FBI said on Wednesday that a fiber-optic line had been cut in Alameda County, Calif.

{mosads}“These cuts affected multiple companies causing outages in some of the Bay area and stretched up into the Sacramento area,” said FBI Special Agent Greg Wuthrich in an email.

Tuesday’s incident in Alameda County marks the 11th time in the last year that cables have been deliberately cut in the state, authorities said. Wuthrich said that the incidents had similarities but declined to elaborate because the investigation is ongoing.

The first took place in Berkeley, Calif. in July 2014, according to information released by the FBI earlier this month.

Wuthrich said that some of the lines were shared by more than one company, causing multiple outages.

Authorities have asked the public for help in identifying those responsible for the damage.

“The individuals may appear to be normal telecommunications maintenance workers or possess tools consistent with that job role,” the FBI said in its earlier release.

The bureau said that investigators do not believe the incidents are connected to the 2013 shooting at a Pacific Gas and Electric Company substation near San Jose, Calif.