Hackers breach FBI director’s personal email

Iran-linked hackers have allegedly compromised the personal email account of FBI Director Kash Patel, publishing photos and documents online, according to the group and US officials.

The hacking group, calling itself Handala Hack Team, claimed responsibility, stating Patel had been added to its list of targets. The group released a series of personal images along with a sample of more than 300 emails, reportedly spanning from 2010 to 2019 and containing both personal and work-related correspondence.

The FBI confirmed the attempted breach, saying steps had been taken to contain any potential risks. “The data appears to be historical in nature and does not involve government information,” bureau spokesperson Ben Williamson said.

Handala, widely viewed by Western cybersecurity analysts as linked to Iranian state-backed cyber units, has previously claimed responsibility for other high-profile cyber incidents, including a recent attack on a US-based medical technology firm.

The authenticity of the leaked materials couldn’t be verified. Google, which operates Gmail, did not immediately comment on the incident.