The individual responsible for hacking HBO and leaking unaired episodes and scripts of Game of Thrones has been identified and charged.
The culprit was a former Iranian military hacker Behzad Mesri who was, reportedly, in it “for the money” and previously used his hacking skills to attack “nuclear software systems and Israeli infrastructure.” Mesri has been charged by US prosecutors with stealing material including scripts for Game of Thrones and demanding US$6 million in untraceable digital currency as extortion.
When HBO refused to pay, he began leaking the unaired episodes on 30 July 2017. He is currently still believed to be in Iran, but US officials are hoping the charges will deter anyone in the future of thinking of hacking into HBO, or any other major media company.
“Mesri now stands charged with federal crimes, and although not arrested today, he will forever have to look over his shoulder until he is made to face justice,” acting Manhattan US Attorney Joon H. Kim said in a statement.
“American ingenuity and creativity is to be cultivated and celebrated—not hacked, stolen, and held for ransom. For hackers who test our resolve in protecting our intellectual property—even those hiding behind keyboards in countries far away—eventually, winter will come.”
