Madonna gives thanks after arrest of alleged hacker who leaked her songs

Madonna is expressing thanks to officials after the arrest of an Israeli man who allegedly hacked into her computer and leaked unreleased songs.

"I am profoundly grateful to the FBI, the Israeli Police investigators and anyone else who helped lead to the arrest of this hacker," the pop star wrote on her Facebook page. "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."

Police said Israel's cybercrime unit arrested 38-year-old Adi Lederman on Wednesday after investigation coordinated with the FBI, which confirmed its involvement. Police also accused Lederman of stealing songs from other international artists whom they declined to name.

Lederman, an aspiring singer who auditioned for Israel's top TV song competition, was placed under house arrest Thursday, his lawyer said.

Songs from Madonna's upcoming album "Rebel Heart," to be released in March, were leaked online in December. At the time, she urged her fans not to listen to the stolen copies that had surfaced, writing on Instagram: "I have been violated as a human and an artist." She later released six songs, calling it an "early Christmas gift" for fans.

Madonna has long claimed a special bond with Israel. The diva has made personal pilgrimages to the country, she practices Kabbalah, a form of Jewish mysticism, and she launched her 2012 "MDNA" tour in Israel.

The investigation began after Madonna's representative in Israel lodged a complaint, a police official said, speaking on condition of anonymity in line with protocol.

Lederman, a Tel Aviv resident, auditioned for the Israeli reality show "A Star is Born" in 2012.

When asked by one of the judges what he does for a living, he responded: "Mainly wasting my life away, it seems, because I'm told that I should be on stage." He sang Stevie Wonder's "Don't You Worry About a Thing."

Nahmany-Bar said Lederman denies the allegations. She said Lederman has not been charged and believes there was not sufficient evidence for an indictment. She also said he has no access to computers under the terms of his house arrest.

Madonna, meanwhile, is slated to take the stage at next month's Grammy Awards.