The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued a public alert naming three Iranian nationals wanted for their alleged involvement in a wide-ranging cyber conspiracy that targeted U.S. government officials, journalists, nonprofit organizations, political campaigns, and private citizens.
The individuals identified are Masoud Jalili, Seyyed Ali Aghamiri, and Yaser Balaghi. According to the FBI, the trio is accused of working together to steal sensitive information, commit fraud, and support foreign adversaries through advanced cyber intrusions.
Allegations of Cyber Conspiracy
Federal investigators say the three men engaged in a series of coordinated schemes to gain unauthorized access to protected computers. The charges include:
- Conspiracy to obtain information from a protected computer
- Defrauding and obtaining things of value
- Aggravated identity theft and access device fraud
- Wire fraud and fraud involving authentication features
- Material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization
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Authorities allege the hackers not only infiltrated networks but also used fraudulent techniques such as false domain registrations and identity theft to sustain their operations.
Targets in the United States
The scope of the conspiracy, officials warn, extended beyond traditional cybercrime. The accused allegedly targeted:
- Current and former U.S. government officials
- Journalists and media organizations
- Nonprofits and advocacy groups
- Political campaigns and party infrastructure
The FBI said the operations had both espionage and influence objectives, with stolen data potentially being used to advance the interests of hostile actors abroad.
Call for Public Assistance
The FBI has urged the public to provide any information that could assist in locating the three fugitives. A dedicated hotline has been made available at 1-800-225-5324, and tips can also be submitted online at tips.fbi.gov.
The agency emphasized that these men remain at large and are believed to be residing outside the United States. By releasing their names and photographs, the FBI hopes to raise awareness and enlist international cooperation.
Broader Cybersecurity Concerns
Experts say the case highlights the blurring line between state-sponsored cyber operations and transnational cybercrime. Allegations of material support to a terrorist organization suggest the actors may have been part of broader campaigns involving political or security objectives, not just financial gain.
Cybercrime researchers warn that such campaigns underscore the vulnerabilities of U.S. democratic institutions and civil society in an era where cyber intrusions are both a tool of espionage and a weapon of influence.
As cyber operations become increasingly entangled with geopolitics, the FBI’s wanted notice is both a law enforcement action and a message: cyber actors operating under the cover of state protection are not beyond accountability.
