Iranian Hacker Who Caused $3.4 Billion in Damages to U.S. Institutions Arrested in Montenegro

An Iranian hacker responsible for causing $3.4 billion (approximately 5.253 trillion won) in damages to major institutions, including universities in the United States, has been arrested in Montenegro, AFP reported on June 25 (local time).

Montenegrin police announced that they apprehended a 39-year-old man, who holds dual citizenship in Iran and Turkey, in the coastal city of Kotor in cooperation with the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Police explained that the suspect was wanted by the U.S. on charges of cybercrime, organized crime, fraud, hacking, and identity theft.

"Since 2013, he has carried out large-scale attacks on major U.S. infrastructure, including 150 universities, as a collaborator for an Iranian corporate entity," police stated, adding that "the damages resulting from these actions are estimated to be over $3.4 billion."

They further added that the data leaked by the suspect was used for the benefit of forces within Iran, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and universities.

The suspect is expected to be extradited to the U.S. soon and is scheduled to appear before a court in Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro, for the proceedings, according to AFP.
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.