WASHINGTON — An Iran-linked cyber threat group known as Handala hacking group has issued new claims of an impending breach targeting U.S. federal systems, alleging that sensitive information connected to Kash Patel, Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, has already been compromised.

In a series of messages published on its Telegram channel, the group asserted that it had gained access to accounts associated with Patel and warned that additional intrusions were “coming soon.”

The posts included what appeared to be personal and professional materials attributed to the FBI director, alongside statements mocking U.S. cybersecurity defenses and describing them as ineffective.

The claims surfaced shortly after U.S. authorities, including the U.S. Department of Justice, announced enforcement actions targeting the group, including the seizure of associated web domains and the offering of a reported $10 million reward for information leading to the identification or capture of its leadership.

Handala has also claimed responsibility for a separate cyber intrusion involving Lockheed Martin. However, the company has publicly denied any breach, stating that its systems remain secure and emphasizing confidence in its “multi-layered information security architecture.”

Federal officials have strongly condemned the group’s actions. Both the FBI and the Department of Justice have pledged to pursue those responsible, vowing to “hunt down every actor” involved in the campaign. Despite these warnings, the group has continued to release statements online, framing U.S. countermeasures as attempts to suppress its activities.

At this time, U.S. authorities have not publicly confirmed the validity of the group’s claims regarding any breach involving the FBI or Director Patel.

The situation remains under close review as cybersecurity experts and federal investigators work to assess the credibility and scope of the alleged intrusions.