FBI director Kash Patel hacked by pro-Iranian group as personal photos appear online
FBI Director Kash Patel Hacked by Pro-Iranian Group as Personal Photos Appear Online
Pro-Iranian hackers reportedly accessed the personal account of FBI Director Kash Patel, leaking photographs and documents to the public. The breach, claimed by the group Handala, surfaced years-old images of Patel alongside a professional CV and additional personal records, some dating back over a decade.
On Friday, the hacking collective Handala stated: “Kash Patel, the current head of the FBI, who once saw his name displayed with pride on the agency’s headquarters, will now find his name among the list of successfully hacked victims.”
The FBI confirmed awareness of malicious attempts to access Patel’s private email data, emphasizing that steps were taken to address the threat. The agency clarified that the leaked content is historical and does not include classified government information.
Earlier, a Department of Justice representative told Reuters the disclosed materials seem genuine. Among the shared images was one of Patel by the side of an antique sports car, and another capturing him with a cigar in hand.
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Many of the files released pertained to Patel’s earlier personal travel and business ventures, prior to his appointment as FBI director. The exact timing of the breach remains uncertain, though Patel was informed in December 2024 of being targeted in an Iranian-linked cyber operation.
Handala, known for its pro-Iranian and pro-Palestinian stance, also claimed responsibility this month for a cyber attack on Stryker, a Michigan-based medical technology firm. The group attributed the strike to retaliation for U.S. military actions they alleged had killed Iranian schoolchildren.
The Justice Department highlighted Handala as a key actor, noting that it had recently taken control of four web domains linked to Iranian cyber operations.
