Iran-linked hacking group Handala claimed it breached FBI surveillance drones and accessed footage from 2026 FIFA World Cup venues, according to a Friday report by SITE Intelligence Group covered by CBS News. The group threatened teams participating in the tournament and stated it obtained months of data including facial recognition and license plate scans. Handala is linked to Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security by the U.S. Department of Justice and previously claimed breaches of FBI Director Kash Patel's email account in March and California Water Service data.
Handala Claims Access to FBI Drone Surveillance Data
In a statement attributed to the group, Handala claimed it accessed data collected by drones allegedly operated by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation. The group stated it obtained "every image and every suspect" captured by the drones, which they said include facial recognition and license plate scanning technology. This footage, according to the group, goes back "for months."
Handala issued a threat directed at teams participating in the World Cup tournament: "Better tighten your World Cup security, we don't like some of those teams at all. [First-person view drones] are everywhere; you never know when one might end up right in your team's bus."
The claims have not been independently verified.
Researchers Dispute Breach Evidence Released by Hackers
SITE Intelligence Group disputed some of the material released by Handala. SITE said one video presented as evidence of the breach was actually produced in December 2024 by a software company promoting technology used by a U.S. police department to survey tornado damage.
Handala's Prior Breaches Include Kash Patel Email and California Water Service
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Handala is linked to Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security and has been associated with data theft, wiper malware, and online influence campaigns that use leaked data, threats, and media attention to pressure and intimidate targets.
In March, the group claimed it hacked the email account of FBI Director Kash Patel and published personal photos and other material online. More recently, the group claimed responsibility for a breach of California Water Service, releasing roughly five gigabytes of allegedly stolen customer and internal company data.
The State Department's Rewards for Justice program continues to offer up to $10 million for information on foreign government-directed hackers involved in cyberattacks against U.S. critical infrastructure.
FAQ
What did Handala claim about FBI drones?
Handala claimed it breached FBI surveillance drones and accessed months of footage including facial recognition and license plate data from 2026 FIFA World Cup venues. The group stated it obtained "every image and every suspect" captured by the drones.
Did researchers verify Handala's breach claims?
No. SITE Intelligence Group disputed some evidence released by Handala, identifying one video presented as breach proof as actually being December 2024 promotional material from a software company demonstrating tornado damage survey technology for a U.S. police department.
