Behzad Mesri, an Iranian national with a history of hacking computer systems for the Iranian military, has been charged with conducting a cyber attack and extortion scheme against HBO, a $6 million Bitcoin heist. The scheme, which began in May 2017, involved Mesri infiltrating HBO’s computer systems, stealing proprietary data, and threatening to release stolen content unless HBO paid $6 million in Bitcoins.
According to the indictment unsealed in Manhattan federal court, Mesri, also known as ‘Skote Vahshat,’ used his hacking skills to steal confidential and proprietary information from HBO, including scripts and plot summaries for unaired episodes of Game of Thrones. He then threatened to release the stolen content unless HBO paid the ransom.
Acting Manhattan U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim said, ‘Behzad Mesri, an Iranian national who had previously hacked computer systems for the Iranian military, allegedly infiltrated HBO’s systems, stole proprietary data, including scripts and plot summaries for unaired episodes of Game of Thrones, and then sought to extort HBO of $6 million in Bitcoins. Mesri now stands charged with federal crimes.’
FBI Assistant Director William F. Sweeney Jr. added, ‘In the simplest of terms, he lurked in the alleyways of the Internet, identified the vulnerabilities of his victim, and pickpocketed their information from thousands of miles away.’
Mesri is currently charged with federal crimes, including conspiracy to commit computer fraud and abuse, access device fraud, and aggravated identity theft. His current status remains unknown. The FBI’s Cyber Division worked alongside prosecutors at the Southern District of New York U.S. Attorney’s office to bring the indictment.
The indictment outlines Mesri’s background as a member of an Iran-based hacking group called the Turk Black Hat security team and his history of conducting hundreds of website defacements using the online hacker pseudonym ‘Skote Vahshat.’
The case against Mesri serves as a reminder that international cybercriminals are never beyond the reach of U.S. laws. The indictment highlights the importance of protecting intellectual property and the resolve of law enforcement to bring cybercriminals to justice.
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Cybercrime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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