17 Iranians Charged in Massive US Data Heist

Sun Sep 06 2026 12:05:41 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

US prosecutors reveal a 2013‑2017 cyber‑attack spree stealing 31 TB of research data from 144 U.S. universities and 42 firms.

The U.S. Department of Justice has charged 17 Iranian men for running a coordinated cyber‑theft campaign that lasted four years. The group, known as Mabna Institute, infiltrated 144 American universities and dozens of private companies, siphoning 31 TB of academic data worth roughly $3.4 billion. Operated with backing from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, the attacks are deemed a serious threat to national security. A $10 million reward now offers a bounty for anyone who can pinpoint five alleged hackers. The case underscores the growing risk of intellectual‑property theft in the digital age.

The U.S. Department of Justice has just charged 17 Iranian men for a massive cyber‑theft operation that spanned four years.

The group, called the Mabna Institute, targeted 144 American universities and 42 private companies from 2013 to 2017, stealing a whopping 31 TB of research data valued at about $3.4 billion.

Many of the attacks were said to be backed by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps, making the hackers part of a state‑sponsored effort that the FBI describes as a serious threat to national security.

The DOJ is offering a $10 million reward for anyone who can help locate five of the alleged hackers still in possession of stolen data.

The case highlights how cyber‑thefts can cripple universities and businesses alike, raising big questions about protecting intellectual property in an increasingly connected world.