A hacking group linked to Iran has claimed it breached the personal email account of FBI Director Kash Patel, raising fresh concerns about cybersecurity amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
The group, known as “Handala,” published images and a cache of emails allegedly taken from Patel’s Gmail account.
According to TechCrunch, portions of the leaked emails appear authentic after verification of message headers and cryptographic signatures. Some emails reportedly date back to 2014, when Patel worked at the Justice Department, and extend up to around 2019.
Iranian hackers claim breach of FBI director Kash Patel’s personal email account https://t.co/7mn61lnIo6
— TechCrunch (@TechCrunch) March 27, 2026
Reuters first reported the breach, citing a Justice Department official who confirmed the incident. However, both the FBI and the Justice Department have not publicly commented.
The report said the hacking campaign comes amid escalating cyber activity linked to Iran following the U.S.-Israeli conflict that began in February.
Handala has previously claimed responsibility for major cyberattacks, including one targeting medical technology firm Stryker. U.S. prosecutors have accused Iran’s intelligence apparatus of backing the group.
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