HBO Hacker Tried To Extort $6M In Bitcoin, Prosecutors Say

NEW YORK, NY — A member of an Iran-based hacking group tried to extort HBO out of $6 million in Bitcoin by stealing unreleased episodes and scripts of hit shows including "Game of Thrones," prosecutors said in an indictment unsealed on Tuesday in Manhattan federal court. The indictment accused Behzad Mesri of hacking into the cable network's computer system in New York.

Mesri allegedly stole episodes from "Curb Your Enthusiasm," ''The Deuce" and other series, along with scripts of "Game of Thrones," then threatened to delete data on HBO's computer system or release the stolen material unless he received the digital currency, prosecutors said. He then allegedly leaked the stolen content on the internet.

In a statement on Tuesday, HBO said it was working with law enforcement but declined further comment.

Mesri is believed to be overseas and not in custody.

Acting Manhattan U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim said in a release that Mesri previously hacked computer systems for the Iranian military. He attacked computer networks, targeting military systems, nuclear software systems, and Israeli infrastructure. He was, at times, a member of the hacking group Turk Black Hat security team and used the online hacker pseudonym “Skote Vahshat."

And although he remains at-large, "he will forever have to look over his shoulder until he is made to face justice," Kim said.

"American ingenuity and creativity is to be cultivated and celebrated — not hacked, stolen, and held for ransom," Kim said. "For hackers who test our resolve in protecting our intellectual property — even those hiding behind keyboards in countries far away — eventually, winter will come.”

FBI Assistant Director William F. Sweeney Jr. said in the release that Mesri "lurked in the alleyways" of the internet and preyed on the vulnerabilities of his victim. Beginning roughly in May, Mesri conducted online reconnaissance of HBO’s computer networks and workers, looking for access points to the network where authorized users could remotely access its computer systems. He later hacked multiple user accounts and used them to gain access to HBO’s computer servers, authorities said.

Beginning in late July, Mesri allegedly leaked certain video materials, including a graphic depicting the “Night King."

Mesri, 29, is charged with wire fraud, computer hacking, aggravated identity theft and interstate transmission of an extortionate communication. He's also charged with three counts of threatening to impair the confidentiality of information.

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