An alleged Iranian hacker accused of hacking US infrastructure has been arrested in Montenegro following a joint operation by Montenegrin police and the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The suspect is expected to face charges related to computer fraud, hacking, conspiracy, and identity theft after authorities linked him to a years-long cyber campaign that reportedly caused more than $3.4 billion in damages.
Iranian Hacker Faces Computer Fraud and Hacking Charges
The 39-year-old suspect, who holds dual Iranian and Turkish citizenship, was arrested in the Adriatic coastal town of Kotor, Montenegro. According to local police, he is wanted by the Southern District Court of New York on charges of conspiracy to commit computer fraud, hacking, and identity theft.
The case will now be referred to a High Court judge in Montenegro’s capital, Podgorica, where extradition proceedings are expected to begin.
Alleged Cyberattack on USA Universities Caused Billions in Damage
In an official statement, Montenegro’s police directorate alleged that the Iranian hacker had been involved in large-scale hacking operations since 2013.
“From 2013 onward, … he carried out massive hacking attacks … targeting more than 150 universities in the United States, causing damage estimated at over $3.4 billion,” the statement said.
Authorities claim the stolen data and access to compromised university accounts were used to benefit Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and other Iranian organizations, including universities. Investigators allege the campaign formed part of a broader cyberattack on USA institutions aimed at acquiring sensitive academic data and digital access.
Extradition Process Underway
Following the arrest, Montenegrin authorities confirmed that the suspect remains in custody while legal proceedings continue. If approved, he will be extradited to the United States to face charges tied to computer fraud, identity theft, and extensive hacking operations.
The FBI participated in the investigation that led to the arrest, although the agency was not immediately available for comment after the announcement.
Iranian Cyber Operations Remain Under Scrutiny
The latest arrest comes amid continued concerns over Iranian-linked cyber activity. Iran and the IRGC have long been associated with state-sponsored cyber operations targeting U.S. organizations and infrastructure.
In April, U.S. cybersecurity, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies warned that Iranian hacking campaigns targeting equipment across critical U.S. infrastructure had intensified. The warning highlighted an increase in attempted intrusions, reinforcing concerns over future cyberattacks on the USA.
The arrest marks a new development in an international investigation into one of the largest alleged cybercrime cases involving an Iranian hacker, with prosecutors pursuing charges that include conspiracy, computer fraud, hacking, and identity theft linked to billions of dollars in reported losses.
