Iranian Hacking Crew Charged in Sprawling Theft Case — Including $6M Bitcoin Ransom

U.S. authorities charged an Iranian hacking crew accused of a sprawling theft operation that included a $6 million Bitcoin ransom and have offered a $10 million reward for information on the defendants. The case underscores Bitcoin’s continued use for large ransomware payments. Increased enforcement and high-value rewards raise the risk of seizure and attribution for illicit on‑chain flows, which may push threat actors toward privacy tools or alternative payment rails.