FBI Director’s Private Email Hacked by Iran-Based Group

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has confirmed that the personal email account of its director, Kash Patel, was accessed by actors described as linked to Iran.

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the breach involved material of a personal and historical nature and did not include classified or government-related information. The agency also stated that it is tracking “malicious actors” involved in attempts to obtain sensitive data tied to senior officials.

Shortly after the disclosure, a group identifying itself as the Handala Hack Team published what it claimed were files taken from Patel’s inbox. The material included images, a résumé, and personal photographs reportedly showing the FBI director in various informal settings, including travel locations and social venues.

The group also posted a statement claiming responsibility for the breach, framing it as evidence of weaknesses in US cyber defenses. It further suggested the operation was only an initial phase of wider activity.

In response, US authorities have linked the Handala Hack Team to activities associated with Iran’s cyber operations, which Washington has previously tied to the Ministry of Intelligence and Security. The United States Department of Justice had earlier moved against domains believed to be connected to the group, accusing them of being used to spread propaganda, claim cyberattacks, and encourage violence against critics and journalists.

Officials say one of the domains used in the latest incident was registered shortly before those seizures were announced, suggesting a direct response to enforcement actions.

The group has also claimed involvement in other cyber incidents, including an attack on US medical technology company Stryker, where it alleged disruption of internal systems and data extraction. Those claims have not been independently verified by US authorities.

Following the breach, the FBI announced a reward of up to $10 million for information that could lead to the identification of individuals behind the hacking network.

US intelligence agencies have repeatedly warned that Iran-linked cyber groups may escalate operations targeting Western institutions amid ongoing geopolitical friction.