Iran-Linked Hackers Claim FBI Drone Hack, Threaten 2026 World Cup
The Iran-linked hacker group Handala claimed to have hacked FBI drones, gaining access to surveillance footage and threatening to crash drones into team buses during the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. The SITE Intelligence Group disputed the claim, noting some footage was from a 2024 software demo. The FBI banned drone flights over stadiums and arrested an illegal immigrant for operating a drone in Atlanta. The U.S. State Department offered a $10 million reward for Handala members.
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Hacker Group Claims to Have Breached FBI Drone System, Threatens World Cup Attacks
The FBI confirmed a major drone crackdown during the World Cup, arresting Lorenzo Rojas-Martinez, an illegal immigrant from Mexico with a prior cocaine trafficking conviction, for operating a drone over Atlanta's Centennial Olympic Park, a fan activity venue. He faces federal charges including illegal drone operation and re-entry after deportation. The FBI seized 21 drones and warned of serious public safety threats. Separately, an Iran-linked pro-Palestinian hacker group called Handala claimed to have hacked the FBI's drone system months before the World Cup, obtaining images and information of suspects. They threatened to use FPV drones equipped with facial and license plate recognition to attack teams. However, the SITE Intelligence Group denied the claim. The U.S. Department of Justice had previously warned of potential Iranian cyberattacks following U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Tehran.
虎扑 - 足球Iran-Linked Hackers Claim FBI Drone Hack, Threaten 2026 World Cup
The Handala hacker group, linked to Iran, claims to have hacked FBI drones equipped with facial recognition and license plate reading systems, gaining access to surveillance footage for months. The group threatens to target the 2026 FIFA World Cup, warning that drones could attack team buses. The SITE Intelligence Group reported the claim, though it disputes the authenticity of photos and videos released by Handala. The FBI has banned drone flights over U.S. stadiums hosting World Cup matches. The U.S. State Department has offered a $10 million reward for information identifying the group's members. The threat follows heightened tensions after U.S.-Israeli strikes on Tehran in February, which triggered regional conflict. Cybersecurity experts consider Handala affiliated with the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuIran-Linked Hacker Group Threatens Drone Attacks During 2026 World Cup in USA
An Iran-linked hacker group called Handala claims to have obtained sensitive drone data from the FBI, including facial recognition and license plate information, which it could use to attack the 2026 FIFA World Cup being hosted in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. The group threatened that drones could land in team buses, escalating security concerns. The FBI uses drones to protect stadiums from unauthorized aircraft. Handala also claims to have hacked FBI Director Kash Patel's private email account. The US State Department has offered up to $10 million for information leading to the capture of Handala members. However, the monitoring company Site disputed the authenticity of some footage released by the group, noting one video was from a 2024 software demonstration. The tournament began on June 11, 2026.
Nachrichten - WELTIranian Hackers Threaten World Cup Security Amid US-Iran Conflict
As the 2026 World Cup kicks off with victories by Mexico and South Korea, a new security threat has emerged linked to the ongoing US-Iran conflict. The Iranian-linked hacker group Handala claimed to have hacked FBI drones and issued a threat against the tournament, warning that FPV drones could target team buses. The group stated, 'You better tighten security for your World Cup, we really don't like some of these teams.' The FBI is currently using drones and banning unmanned aircraft flights over American stadiums hosting matches. While the US Department of Justice has warned about cyberattack risks, the private monitoring organization SITE contested Handala's claim, noting the group published photos and videos allegedly from hacked drones but the assertion remains unverified. The atmosphere is tense ahead of Iran's first match against New Zealand in Los Angeles.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertIran-Linked Hacker Group Claims to Have Hacked FBI Drones, Threatens World Cup Teams
The Iran-linked hacker group Handala has claimed to have accessed FPV drones used by the FBI in the United States, threatening to crash them into 'certain teams' during the 2026 World Cup, which began on June 12. The SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors jihadist online activity, published Handala's statement alleging they have had 'for months' access to drone footage and data, including facial recognition and license plate reading systems deployed for counter-terrorism. Handala warned: 'Better strengthen the security of your World Cup... the FPVs are everywhere, you never know when one of them might end up right on your team's bus.' However, SITE disputed the claim, noting that a video purportedly showing the hack was actually produced by a software platform in December 2024 to promote its technology for a US police department monitoring tornado damage. The US State Department has offered a reward of up to $10 million for information identifying Handala members. The FBI is deploying drones and banning unmanned aircraft flights over World Cup stadiums.
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