US Expands Prosecution of Iranian Hacking Network, Offers $10 Million Reward

U.S. authorities have expanded their prosecution of an extensive Iranian hacking network, bringing the total number of indicted suspects to 17. These individuals are accused of conducting a widespread campaign against universities, companies, and government agencies.

The Department of Justice unveiled a new indictment targeting eight additional individuals, bringing the total to 17 defendants, nine of whom were previously indicted in 2018. Prosecutors have announced a $10 million reward for information leading to the prosecution of five specific suspects: Behzad Mesri, Mojtaba Galekuhi, Arman Kahzadian, Keyvan Fayaz, and Saber Shahbazi Ballojeh. All are reportedly connected to the Mabna Institute, an Iran-based organization alleged to have conducted hacking operations on behalf of the Iranian government and the Revolutionary Guards.

The hacking campaign, primarily active between 2013 and 2017, focused on stealing scientific data and intellectual property. The expanded case now includes the hacking of 144 U.S. universities and 178 foreign universities, along with at least 42 U.S. companies, 11 foreign firms, five U.S. government agencies, and two NGOs. The hackers are believed to have targeted over 100,000 accounts belonging to professors, and prosecutors estimate they stole approximately 31.5 terabytes of data, including scientific articles, dissertations, and other research materials.

U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald for the Southern District of New York emphasized the commitment to pursuing those who target the United States from abroad, stating, "More than eight years after making the original indictment public, these charges make clear that the passage of time will not deter us from identifying and pursuing those who target the United States from abroad."

In 2018, the U.S. Treasury had already imposed sanctions on the nine individuals initially indicted, as well as a tenth suspect involved in an attempted extortion case against HBO, where the script of an unaired "Game of Thrones" episode was stolen. This ongoing effort highlights the persistent nature of cyber threats and the U.S. government's resolve in combating them.

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More than eight years after making the original indictment public, these charges make clear that the passage of time will not deter us from identifying and pursuing those who target the United States from abroad.