Richard Dormer, the county police commissioner, and John Meehan, inspector of the department's Seventh Precinct, declined to comment on the operation.
Most of those involved have declined to comment on the operation, and details have yet to reach international auction houses.
A military spokesman declined to comment on the operation or to confirm whether the hostages had been freed, saying a statement would be issued Thursday.
The network designer was granted anonymity because he believed that commenting on the operation could affect his ability to work as a consultant.
A Cyber Command spokesperson wouldn't comment on the operation, but noted that U.S. government leadership "has made it clear that it will not accept any foreign interference, or attempts to undermine or manipulate our elections in any way," and this includes the government's efforts "to protect election infrastructure and prevent malign, covert election influence operations".
Special Agent Owen Putman, spokesman for the DEA's Chicago Division, declined via email to comment on the operation targeting Midwest Hydroganics.
