FBI offers $10M reward after Kash Patel’s personal emails leaked in Iran‑linked Handala breach

WASHINGTON, DC: The FBI has confirmed that "malicious actors" targeted the personal email information of Director Kash Patel, though officials maintain the compromised data is "historical in nature" and contains no government information. 

The Iran-linked Handala Hack Team claimed responsibility for the breach, framing it as a retaliatory strike following the recent sinking of an Iranian naval vessel. 

FBI offers $10M reward for information on Handala 

FBI is offering up to $10 million for information that helps in identifying members of the Handala group. The Handala Hack Team has frequently targeted US government officials.

The SITE Intelligence Group published a statement from Handala taking credit for hacking Patel's email as a direct response to a military action by US. 

The group issued an extensive message mocking the bureau, stating, "Today, once again, the world witnessed the collapse of America's so-called security legends. While the FBI proudly seized our domains and immediately announced a $10 million reward for the heads of Handala Hack members, we decided to respond to this ridiculous show in a way that will be remembered forever."

They continued mocking, "The so-called 'impenetrable' systems of the FBI were brought to their knees within hours by our team. All personal and confidential information of Kash Patel, including emails, conversations, documents, and even classified files, is now available for public download. If your director can be compromised this easily, what do you expect from your lower-level employees?"

Handala further stated the breach was "dedicated to the martyrs of the Dena destroyer," an Iranian vessel sunk by a US submarine earlier this month.

FBI initiates necessary steps

An FBI spokesperson told Fox News the bureau is aware of "malicious actors" targeting FBI Director Patel’s personal email information and has taken "all necessary steps to mitigate potential risks." 

The bureau emphasized that the breach did not involve official government systems or sensitive state secrets. 

"Consistent with President Trump's Cyber Strategy for America, the FBI will continue to pursue the actors responsible, support victims, and share actionable intelligence in defense of networks," the FBI spokesperson said. 

"We encourage anyone who experiences a cyber breach, or has information related to malicious cyber activity, to contact their local FBI field office."

Crackdown on Iranian cyber operations launched

The breach follows a March 19 announcement by the Department of Justice regarding a massive crackdown on Iranian cyber infrastructure last week.

The effort included the seizure of four of Handala’s primary domains including 'handala-hack.to,' following the group’s attack on the medical technology giant Stryker.

These operations have reportedly intensified following the start of the US-Iran war on February 28.

Despite the group's claims of high-level theft, the leaked materials identified so far appear largely personal, including photos of Patel smoking cigars and posing with an antique car.