The FBI informed Kash Patel, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for FBI Director, that he was targeted in an Iranian cyberattack before his nomination. The hackers targeted Patel’s communications, but it is unclear if they accessed any information. Patel’s appointment would require current FBI Director Christopher Wray to resign or be fired. The FBI has not commented on the ongoing investigation.
Trump’s transition spokesman, Alex Pfeiffer, stated that Patel played a key role in the previous administration’s efforts against the Iranian regime and will work to protect America from adversaries if appointed as FBI Director. Three Iranian operatives were charged with hacking Trump’s presidential campaign in September, allegedly to undermine the U.S. election.
The suspects, who were linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, were accused of stealing and sharing emails and documents with media outlets. Additionally, Iranian hackers reportedly sent information stolen from the Trump campaign to individuals affiliated with President Joe Biden’s campaign, but there was no evidence of a response. The FBI and other agencies confirmed these cyber activities.
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