LockBit taunts FBI Director Kash Patel with alleged “Classified” leak threat By Pierluigi Paganini Published: 2025-02-25 · Archived: 2026-04-05 15:48:02 UTC Pierluigi Paganini February 25, 2025 LockBit claims to have “classified information” for FBI Director Kash Patel that could “destroy” the agency if leaked. The ransomware gang LockBit sent a strange message to newly appointed FBI Director Kash Patel, they offer alleged “classified information” that could “destroy” this agency if publicly disclosed. The ransomware group published the message on their dark web leak site, specifically referring to the agency’s new director Patel. https://securityaffairs.com/174639/cyber-crime/lockbit-taunts-fbi-director-kash-patel.html Page 1 of 3 “Dear Kash Patel! I wish you Happy Birthday! I also congratulate you on your position as the ninth di You are surrounded by liars, professional manipulators, respected Kash Patel. The so-called "agents" I have been called "extortionist and "blackmailer" a lot, but I am a worthy son of the American Fathe "My business, from which I have paid so much tax, post-paid pentest, I created only to make us all, i A safer, more secure place from the Real Threat - trans-continental pro-state group that attacks crit But these very real extortionists, liars, blackmailers, manipulators, known to you as subordinates — The message author describes himself as “an honest businessman,” explaining that the FBI is “the real threat” to the U.S. The group invites Patel to contact the LockBit gang to receive an archive containing classified information that could reveal the alleged agency’s dirty face. “I am an honest businessman who paid so much tax to Our American Treasury and never did a Tax Refund This message appears to be a conspiratorial and dramatic statement claiming to possess critical information related to U.S. national security. It frames the information as being aligned with Donald Trump’s search for the “truth” while positioning itself as a weapon against “lies” and “fakes.” The writer implies that the information is so damaging it could potentially ruin the FBI as an institution, yet they express hesitation about making it public. The message is vague, emotionally charged, and suggests an urgent need for direct contact, which is a common tactic in manipulative or deceptive communication. "This information is for the benefit of the National Security of the United States of America, inform https://securityaffairs.com/174639/cyber-crime/lockbit-taunts-fbi-director-kash-patel.html Page 2 of 3 The statement referenced Patel’s comment last year about shutting down the FBI HQ on “day one” and turning it into a “deep state museum.” The group also published a 7z password-protected archive titled “personal_gift_for_new_director_FBI_Kash_Patel.7z.” It is unclear if the LockBit gang possesses the confidential documents it claims, but experts speculate the group is trying to gain attention after law enforcement shut down its infrastructure in February 2024. Follow me on Twitter: @securityaffairs and Facebook and Mastodon Pierluigi Paganini (SecurityAffairs – hacking, LockBit ransomware gang) Source: https://securityaffairs.com/174639/cyber-crime/lockbit-taunts-fbi-director-kash-patel.html https://securityaffairs.com/174639/cyber-crime/lockbit-taunts-fbi-director-kash-patel.html Page 3 of 3