An Iran-linked hacking group has claimed it breached FBI-operated drones and issued a threat tied to the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The group, known as Handala, alleges it gained access for several months to data collected by first-person view (FPV) drones used by the FBI.
According to the claim, the compromised information included images and intelligence gathered during counterterrorism operations.
The allegations were highlighted by the SITE Intelligence Group, which tracks extremist and cyber threat activity online.
Handala further claimed the drones were equipped with facial recognition and licence plate-reading capabilities.
In a statement cited by SITE, the group warned: “Better tighten your World Cup security; we don’t like some of those teams at all. Don’t forget: FPVs are everywhere; you never know when one might end up right in your team’s bus.”
The FBI has previously confirmed that drones are being used as part of security measures at World Cup venues.
Authorities have also imposed restrictions on unauthorised drone flights around stadiums and designated fan zones. The tournament began on June 11.
Despite the claims, SITE urged caution, noting that the evidence presented by Handala remains unverified.
The group said at least one video released as proof appeared to be unrelated footage from 2024 showing drone software used by a U.S.
police department following tornado damage, rather than evidence of an FBI system breach.
Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department is offering a reward of up to $10 million for information that helps identify members of Handala.