Iranian Hacker Extradited for University Breaches Causing $3.4 Billion in Damages

• •Amir Barati extradited from Montenegro to the U.S. for hacking charges.
• •The hacking campaign targeted over 150 U.S. universities, causing $3.4 billion in damages.
• •Barati is linked to the Mabna Institute and the IRGC, involved in extensive data theft.

Amir Barati, a 40-year-old Iranian national, was extradited from Montenegro to the U.S. on October 1, 2026, to face charges related to a hacking campaign targeting over 150 U.S. universities and companies. Arrested on June 25, 2026, Barati is accused of participating in a conspiracy that began in 2013, resulting in the theft of at least 31 terabytes of academic data and intellectual property. The U.S. Department of Justice has linked Barati to the Mabna Institute, which allegedly operated on behalf of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The indictment claims the hacking operation caused damages exceeding $3.4 billion, with Barati involved in spearphishing campaigns and network reconnaissance. The stolen data was reportedly sold to Iranian universities and used to benefit the IRGC. Barati faces multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit computer fraud and identity theft.