Hacker group ShinyHunters says it stole data on about 38,000 FBI staff
The hacker group claims names, badge numbers and home details for roughly 38,000 FBI employees and has given the bureau a one‑week deadline.
A hacker collective calling itself ShinyHunters has claimed to have stolen sensitive personal and professional information for roughly 38,000 FBI employees, according to messages the group circulated to reporters.
The group says the haul includes names, job titles, badge numbers and personal details such as home addresses, phone numbers and information about agents' spouses. The FBI posted on X that it is aware of the allegation and is "actively and vigorously" investigating.
What the hackers say they took and why
ShinyHunters told journalists it breached FBI servers during the night on Monday and began sharing samples and screenshots of the purported data on Tuesday. Portions of the material the group shared reportedly include descriptions of assignments and operations directed at Chinese spies, Russian intelligence and drug cartels.
The collective is described as an international hacking group believed to originate in France and has been linked to other high‑profile intrusions earlier this year, including attacks on Rockstar Games in April and the Canvas learning platform in May.
The group says its motive is not financial. It demands that the FBI retract a May notice that referred to the group as "threatening actors" and has given the bureau one week to amend or remove statements it regards as inaccurate. ShinyHunters says it will publish the full databases if the FBI does not comply.
The FBI's confirmation that it is investigating leaves open the full scope and authenticity of the claimed breach. If the files are genuine, security experts warn the material could put agents and their families at risk and complicate ongoing operations.
Photo: Geti)
