A hacking group linked to Israel has stolen $90m from an Iranian cryptocurrency exchange, Nobitex. The group, known as Gonjeshke Darande (Predatory Sparrow), claimed responsibility for the heist in a post on social media.
The hackers appear to have “burned” the stolen funds by storing them in vanity addresses that are difficult to access. It would take billions of years to recreate these key pairs using current computer technology.
Iran’s state-owned Bank Sepah was also targeted, with the hackers claiming to have destroyed data at the bank. The group accused the bank of financing the Iranian military.
Companies tracking global internet activity reported a near-total internet blackout in Iran this week, but it is not clear if the hackers were responsible for the shutdown. Instead, the government claimed that they had slowed down internet access to maintain network stability and prevent cyberattacks.
The hacking group’s identity has not been officially confirmed, although Israeli media has long described them as being linked to Israel. The group’s actions are seen as motivated by recent tensions between Israel and Iran.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/jun/18/israel-linked-group-hacks-iranian-cryptocurrency-exchange-in-90m-heist