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.

“Dear Kash Patel! I wish you Happy Birthday! I also congratulate you on your position as the ninth director of the Federal Bureau of investigation and wish you professional success, because it will be not easy for you.
You are surrounded by liars, professional manipulators, respected Kash Patel. The so-called "agents" who are under your supervision are tricky manipulators and the whole point of their manipulation is to do nothing, but you have to do something about it, Mr. Kash Patel.
I have been called "extortionist and "blackmailer" a lot, but I am a worthy son of the American Fatherland, a son of immigrants like you, dear Kash Patel! God bless our Motherland! My whole life, like your life is filled with concern for National Security." states the message.
"My business, from which I have paid so much tax, post-paid pentest, I created only to make us all, in our United States of America, a more secure place to live.
A safer, more secure place from the Real Threat - trans-continental pro-state group that attacks critical intrastructure to steal our data for Espionage and Diversion.
But these very real extortionists, liars, blackmailers, manipulators, known to you as subordinates — FBI agents, have flooded our country with fakes and declared me as a threat."

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, letting the black folks do it for me. I decided to give you the best gift of all - an archive of classified information for you personally, Mr. Kash Patel. A guide, a roadmap, and some friendly advice. With access level ONLY for you, under password." continues the message.

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, information for you on how to find the TRUTH, which our brother US President Donald Trump also wants to find., This information is the key against LIES, the cure against FAKES.Please contact me personally, I am so reluctant to publish this information that could not only negatively affect the reputation of the FBI, but destroy it as a STRUCTURE." concludes the message. "Because I really want you to be. Honorable Kash Patel, not only the Director of the FBI, but also the Director of the FBI History Museum. To have you tell our STORY - how we defeated the fakes and corrupt FBI agents.”

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.

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Pierluigi Paganini

(SecurityAffairs – hacking, LockBit ransomware gang)