Iran-linked hackers breach FBI director Kash Patel’s personal email, publish photos and documents

Iran-linked hackers have broken into FBI Director Kash ‌Patel’s personal email inbox, publishing photographs of the director and other documents to the internet, the ​hackers and the bureau said on Friday (March 27, 2026).

On their website, the hacker group Handala Hack ⁠Team said Mr. Patel “will now find his name among the list of successfully hacked victims.” The hackers published a series of personal photographs of Mr. Patel sniffing and smoking cigars, riding in an antique convertible, and making a face while taking a picture of himself ‌in the mirror with a large bottle of rum.

The FBI confirmed Mr. Patel’s emails had been targeted. In a statement, bureau spokesman Ben Williamson said, “We have taken all necessary steps to mitigate ‌potential risks associated with this activity” and that the data involved was “historical in nature and involves no ‌government ⁠information.”