FBI data breach: Associate claims he warned teen hacker against attack

An associate of a suspected hacker involved in a massive FBI data breach claims he repeatedly warned the teenager against the attack. Adem El Adeb, 19, stated he told Saif al-Din Khader that targeting the bureau was ‘suicidal’ and would bring the full weight of the US government upon him.

The breach, claimed by the hacking group ShinyHunters, has caused significant concern within the FBI. While the exact scope has not been independently verified, the bureau has reportedly informed staff that it is operating under the assumption that the stolen data includes information pertaining to all its employees.

Khader, allegedly 17 years old and known by the nickname ‘Rey’, was taken into custody in Jordan on September 29. He is reportedly cooperating with the FBI’s investigation. Both Khader and El Adeb were identified as members of the cybercrime group Hellcat, which has been linked to other high-profile hacks, including an incident involving France’s Schneider Electric.