Iranian hacker arrested in Montenegro for $3.4 billion US cyberattack

Montenegrin police and the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation detained a 39‑year‑old dual Iranian‑Turkish citizen, identified as Amir Barati (also referred to as A. B.), in the coastal town of Kotor. The suspect is accused by the United States of leading massive hacking campaigns from 2013 onward that breached more than 150 American universities and other infrastructure, causing damage estimated at over $3.4 billion.

U.S. authorities allege the stolen data and compromised university accounts were used to benefit Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and other Iranian entities. Barati faces charges of conspiracy to commit computer fraud, hacking and identity theft, and is described in police statements as a “high‑profile target in the area of cyber and organized crime.”

The case will be forwarded to a High Court judge in Podgorica to consider the U.S. extradition request. Montenegro, a NATO member and close U.S. ally, has cooperated with Interpol’s FAST team and the FBI in the operation, which is part of a broader effort to capture individuals wanted by U.S. law enforcement.