Iranian Suspect Detained in Montenegro Following US Request
Montenegrin authorities have arrested an Iranian national wanted by the United States over an alleged large-scale hacking campaign that reportedly caused billions of dollars in damages. The suspect was taken into custody in the coastal town of Kotor after a request from U.S. law enforcement agencies.
The 39-year-old man, who reportedly holds both Iranian and Turkish citizenship, is accused of participating in a long-running cyber operation targeting American institutions. U.S. prosecutors have filed charges that include conspiracy to commit computer fraud, hacking-related offenses, and identity theft.
Alleged Cyberattacks Targeted More Than 150 US Universities
According to investigators, the alleged hacking campaign began in 2013 and focused on breaching the computer systems of more than 150 universities across the United States. Authorities estimate the attacks caused approximately $3.4 billion in financial losses.
Officials claim that the stolen information and unauthorized access to university systems were later used to support entities linked to Iran, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and several Iranian academic institutions.
Extradition Process Begins in Montenegro
Following the arrest, the case has been transferred to the High Court in Podgorica, Montenegro’s capital, where judges will oversee extradition proceedings requested by the United States.
The arrest comes as U.S. cybersecurity and intelligence agencies continue to warn about increasing cyber threats linked to Iranian actors targeting American organizations and critical infrastructure. If extradited, the suspect is expected to face multiple federal criminal charges in a New York court.
