FBI director’s personal email, photos and documents leaked by Iran-linked hackers

Iran-linked hackers, known as Handala Hack Team, breached the personal email account of Kash Patel, a former FBI director, and leaked his personal photos and documents online. The FBI confirmed the breach, stating the compromised data was historical and contained no government information. Handala, identified as a pro-Palestinian group linked to Iranian cyberintelligence, claimed responsibility and published a sample of Patel's emails dating from 2010 to 2019. The group has recently claimed responsibility for hacking Stryker, a medical device company, and publishing data from Lockheed Martin employees. The incident is part of a broader trend of increased cyber activity by Iranian-linked hackers following coordinated strikes against Iran.

The Handala Hack Team, a group claiming ties to Iran, announced it successfully hacked the personal email account of FBI Director Kash Patel. The group released photographs and documents online, including travel itineraries, business correspondence, and personal photos. News outlets confirmed the breach, citing security officials. The FBI and Department of Justice have not yet commented. The Handala Hack Team, which identifies as pro-Palestinian, claimed the attack was retaliation for a US-Israeli strike in Iran. Patel's leadership as FBI director, which began in 2025, has been marked by controversy. The group also claimed responsibility for a recent cyberattack on medical device company Stryker.

A pro-Iranian hacking group, Handala, claimed responsibility for hacking an account belonging to FBI Director Kash Patel on Friday, March 28, 2026. The group posted what they claim are years-old photographs, a resume, and other personal documents online. The released information appears to be over a decade old and includes details about Patel's personal travels and business dealings. Handala stated their actions were intended to publicly shame Patel. The FBI acknowledged the incident and stated they are aware of malicious actors targeting Patel's personal email and have taken steps to mitigate potential risks.