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ShinyHunters hacker in FBI data theft detained in Jordan, cooperating with bureau, sources say

The suspect is helping investigators trace remaining members after a breach that exposed sensitive FBI employee data, officials and sources said.

  • Jordanian authorities detained Saif-al-Din Khadar, a key member of the hacking group ShinyHunters that claims to have stolen data on every FBI employee. Sources confirmed he is cooperating with the FBI to locate remaining cell members.
  • The ShinyHunters group claims it stole data on every FBI employee, drawing comparisons to the Chinese-linked intrusion at the Office of Personnel Management in 2015, which compromised sensitive details of millions of Americans vetted for security clearances.
  • Security researcher Brian Krebs reported last year that Khadar was a key member of Scattered Lapsus, an umbrella group that included ShinyHunters. Now the suspect is walking investigators through his electronic devices and digital correspondence to assess damage.
  • FBI Director Kash Patel hinted at more arrests following the detention of alleged member Pepijn van der Stap in the Netherlands. "FBI teams are working new leads RIGHT NOW," Patel said on Wednesday in a message posted to X.
  • Operators of a ShinyHunters-linked email address recently stated "we want no further escalation with the FBI," signaling a conciliatory shift. Law enforcement worldwide struggles prosecuting young hackers, as groups like Scattered Spider remain chaotic and informal.
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In Jordan, an alleged member of Shiny Hunters, who claimed responsibility for stealing the identity of FBI employees, reported CBS News with reference to American officials.

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In Jordan, an alleged hacker member of ShinyHunders, who had previously claimed responsibility for hacking FBI databases, was detained by CBS News with reference to American officials and a well-informed source. Saif Al-Din Hader was detained by Jordanian law enforcement agencies. "A proposed member of ShinyHunders, a hacker group that took responsibility for hacking the FBI website last month, was detained in Jordan and cooperated with investig…

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El Economista broke the news in Mexico City, Mexico on Saturday, October 3, 2026.
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