FBI Director Kash Patel Hacked by Pro-Iranian Group as Personal Photos Surface Online

A pro-Iranian hacking collective claimed to have breached FBI Director Kash Patel’s account, releasing his private photos and files online. The collection featured photographs from years past, alongside a professional resume and additional personal documents, some dating back over a decade.

In a message published Friday, the group Handala stated: ‘Kash Patel, the FBI’s current leader, who once proudly saw his name on the agency’s headquarters, now faces the reality of being listed as a successful target of this cyber intrusion.’

The agency further noted that the disclosed data is historical, containing no classified government information. According to a DOJ spokesperson, the material released seemed genuine.

Among the leaked images was a photograph of Mr Patel beside a vintage sports car, while another depicted him holding a cigar. The timing of the breach remains unclear, though Mr Patel was reportedly informed in December 2024 that he had been targeted as part of an Iranian campaign.

Handala, a pro-Iranian, pro-Palestinian hacking group, also took credit this month for a cyber attack on Stryker, a Michigan-based medical technology company. The group claimed the assault was retaliation for U.S. strikes they alleged had killed Iranian schoolchildren.

The Justice Department recently seized four web domains linked to Iranian hacking schemes, with Handala identified as one of the implicated groups. Separately, a benefit cheat who asserted anxiety kept her housebound was spotted ziplining and surfing in Mexico. Meanwhile, the family of a former Zutons star criticized police for their handling of a racist attack investigation. A man was also sentenced after assaulting a woman during an attack witnessed by Barron Trump.

Read more: Foreign Office data compromised by hackers in cyber breach. Does America think they’re fighting a ‘holy war’ in Iran?