Thalha Jubair Charged with Cyber Extortion in New Jersey

A complaint filed in the District of New Jersey was unsealed today charging Thalha Jubair, a United Kingdom national, with conspiracies to commit computer fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering, in relation to at least 120 computer network intrusions and extortion involving 47 U.S. entities. The complaint alleges victims paid at least $115,000,000 in ransom payments.

According to the complaint, Thalha Jubair, also known as “EarthtoStar,” “Brad,” “Austin,” and “@autistic,” 19, of London, England, conspired with others to use social engineering techniques to gain unauthorized access into the computer networks of U.S. companies, steal and encrypt information, and demand ransom payments from victims in exchange for regaining control and preventing the dissemination of the exfiltrated data.

Jubair also conspired with others to launder the funds obtained through this scheme. In October 2024 and January 2025, Jubair and his associates allegedly carried out at least 120 attacks worldwide and extorted over $115 million in ransom payments from victims, causing widespread disruption to U.S. businesses and organizations, including critical infrastructure and the federal court system.

“Jubair is alleged to have participated in a sweeping cyber extortion scheme carried out by a group known as Scattered Spider, which committed at least 120 attacks worldwide and resulted in over $115 million in ransom payments from victims,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Criminal Division. “These malicious attacks caused widespread disruption to U.S. businesses and organizations, including critical infrastructure and the federal court system, highlighting the significant and growing threat posed by brazen cybercriminals.”

“Today’s charges underscore the Department’s unwavering commitment to keeping pace with technologically savvy bad actors and holding accountable those who seek to profit from ransomware,” said Galeotti.

“The charges against Jubair announced today are the result of a lengthy investigation into particular cyber threat actors, often referred to as Scattered Spider, who have victimized at least 47 U.S.-based entities, including in New Jersey,” said Alina Habba, Acting U.S. Attorney and Special Attorney for the District of New Jersey. “As alleged by the complaint, Jubair went to great and sophisticated lengths to keep himself anonymous while he and his criminal associates continued to attack these victims and extort tens of millions of dollars in ransom payments.”

“Today’s charges demonstrate my Office’s determination to identify cybercriminals and bring them to justice, wherever they are in the world,” said Habba.

“Today’s charges make it clear that no cybercriminal is beyond our reach,” said Assistant Director Brett Leatherman of the FBI’s Cyber Division. “If you attack American companies or citizens, we will find you, we will expose you, and we will seek justice.”

“The arrest of Thalha Jubair underscores an undeniable truth: no matter how elusive or destructive these cyber-criminal syndicates are, we will continue to pursue those who allegedly extort our businesses and ensure they are held accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy for the FBI.

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