Two German hackers gained access to the computers of more than 50 pop stars, including Justin Timberlake and Lady Gaga in an attempt to steal unreleased songs and issue blackmail threats over intimate photographs, prosecutors allege.



German police say the pair used simple invasive programs called trojans, which can break into private computer networks.



But they are alleged to have hacked into the computers of a string of stars and downloaded hundreds of documents including music and credit card details.



Their haul reportedly included a compromising picture of the American singer Kesha.



Prosecutors said the pair had tried to blackmail the singer but no money changed hands.



They believe the pair's main goal was unreleased musical material.

Telegraph, London