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 Surface Online

Pro-Iranian hackers have reportedly infiltrated FBI Director Kash Patel’s account, leaking private photographs and documents to the public. The breach was disclosed after several images and files were posted online, sparking concern over the personal data exposed.

“Kash Patel, now FBI director, once proudly displayed his name at the agency’s headquarters. He now joins the list of victims whose accounts have been compromised,” said Handala, a pro-Iranian hacking collective, in a statement released earlier this week.

The stolen content featured old photographs of Mr. Patel, including a professional resume and various personal records, some dating back over a decade. Among the images was one showing him beside an antique sports car, and another capturing him with a cigar in hand.

The FBI noted: “We are aware of adversaries attempting to access Director Patel’s personal email account and have implemented measures to address the associated risks.” The bureau clarified that the exposed information is historical and does not include classified government data.

A Department of Justice official confirmed to Reuters that the leaked material appeared authentic. However, the exact timeline of the breach remains unclear, with Mr. Patel reportedly notified in December 2024 that he had been targeted in an Iranian cyber operation.

Handala, which also claimed responsibility for a recent attack on Stryker, a Michigan-based medical technology firm, stated the breach was retaliation for U.S. strikes they alleged killed Iranian schoolchildren. The group was recently highlighted by the Justice Department for its involvement in a series of cyber schemes, including the seizure of four web domains linked to Iranian hacking activities.

Meanwhile, separate stories have emerged about a benefit cheat who claimed anxiety kept her housebound but was seen ziplining and surfing in Mexico, as well as a family of former Zutons players criticizing police over the handling of a racist attack investigation. A man was also sentenced after assaulting a woman in an incident witnessed by Barron Trump.