Jordan says suspected ShinyHunters hacker arrested after FBI data theft claim

The Jordanian government has announced the arrest of an individual suspected of belonging to the ShinyHunters hacking group, following claims by the group that they had stolen data on all FBI employees. Officials quoted by state television stated that the investigation into the suspect and the group's connections is ongoing, though the suspect's identity has not been disclosed.

The arrest of this individual comes after a Reuters report, citing three sources familiar with the case, identified the suspect as Saif Al Din Khader, known by the online alias Rey. Khader is alleged to be cooperating with the FBI, helping them locate the group's other members. ShinyHunters, known for targeting major corporations globally, is believed to primarily consist of young, English-speaking hackers focused on data theft and extortion.

The group's alleged theft of FBI employee data has drawn comparisons to a 2015 intrusion at the US Office of Personnel Management, which compromised details on millions of Americans. FBI Director Kash Patel had previously hinted at more arrests, stating that FBI teams were actively working on new leads. Khader's cooperation with investigators has been crucial in containing the damage, as he is reportedly showing investigators his electronic devices and digital correspondence to assist in locating his cohorts.