Madonna 'profoundly grateful' after man charged with hacking and leaking songs

Madonna has spoken of her gratitude after a man was charged with hacking into music stars' computers and leaking unreleased material.

The singer was forced into rush-releasing a series of new songs in December after a batch of unfinished demos found their way online.

Israeli police have now confirmed that they have arrested a 39-year-old man in connection with stealing work from a number of music stars.

Madonna commented on Facebook: "I am profoundly grateful to the FBI, the Israeli Police investigators and anyone else who helped lead to the arrest of this hacker.

"I deeply appreciate my fans who have provided us with pertinent information and continue to do so regarding leaks of my music. Like any citizen, I have the right to privacy. This invasion into my life - creatively, professionally, and personally remains a deeply devastating and hurtful experience, as it must be for all artists who are victims of this type of crime."

A private investigator from Israel told Reuters that they had been drafted in by Madonna's people weeks ago to help find the culprit.

Asher Wizman said on Wednesday (January 21): "Our investigator found her computers, at home and at a studio, were broken into from a computer in Israel.

"We tracked down the computer, and the man behind it. After gathering enough evidence, we turned to the police and he was arrested today."

A police rep added: "He is suspected of computer hacking, copyright violation and fraudulent receipt of goods. During the investigation it appeared the suspect had broken into the computers of a number of international artists, stole unreleased demos and final tracks and sold them over the internet."

Madonna meanwhile will release her new album 'Rebel Heart' on March 9.

Listen to remixes of a new Madonna song below: