The person at the center of this case
Firas Dardar (fugitive)
Cold Case · Open
12 years waiting · since 2014
FIRAS DARDAR
Justice for Firas Dardar (fugitive) — the trail went cold in 2014, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
🎯
suspect
Lead #1What is Dardar's current location and is he still actively involved in cyber operations from Syria?
🔍
evidence
Lead #2What specific U.S. government agencies and media organizations were targeted by Dardar's cyber attacks?
💡
clue
Lead #3How can international law enforcement coordinate with Syrian authorities or intelligence agencies to locate and apprehend Dardar?
Firas Dardar is a cybercriminal wanted by the FBI for his alleged leadership role in the Syrian Electronic Army (SEA), a hacking group that conducted dozens of cyber attacks against U.S. government agencies, media outlets, and private companies between 2011 and 2014 under the alias 'The Shadow.' He is also suspected of orchestrating cyber extortion schemes targeting American and international businesses, with criminal complaints filed in 2014 and 2015. Dardar is believed to be hiding in Homs, Syria, and the FBI is offering up to $100,000 for information leading to his capture.
Case
#639
FBI - United States District Court, Eastern District of Virginia
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More leads to consider
Beyond the top three above — each detail below could be the thread that pulls this case open.
📞
contact
Lead #4Who are the known associates and members of the Syrian Electronic Army that worked with Dardar?
⏰
timeline
Lead #5What triggered the shift from political hacking to cyber extortion schemes in Dardar's criminal activity?
Have information about any of these leads?
Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Official wording
Source Narrative
Conspiracy to Gain Unauthorized Access to and Damage Computers; Conspiracy to Convey False Information Regarding a Terrorist Attack; Conspiracy to Cause Mutiny of United States Military Members; Conspiracy to Commit Identity Theft, Conspiracy to Commit Access Device Fraud; Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering; Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud; Conspiracy to Violate Syrian Sanctions Regulations; Conspiracy to Receive the Proceeds of Extortion; Conspiracy to Send an Unlawful Interstate Communication Caution: Firas Dardar is wanted for his alleged involvement in the Syrian Electronic Army (SEA), a group of individuals who allegedly commit hacks in support of the Syrian Regime. It is alleged that, between September of 2011 and January of 2014, Dardar committed dozens of cyber attacks against United States government agencies, media organizations, and private organizations under the SEA banner while using the online nickname, "The Shadow".
On June 12, 2014, a criminal complaint was filed in the United States District Court, Eastern District of Virginia, Alexandria, Virginia, charging Dardar with conspiring to violate numerous laws related to the commission of computer intrusions. Additionally, Dardar is also suspected of being responsible for a series of cyber extortion schemes targeting a variety of American and international companies.
A separate criminal complaint charging Dardar with these cyber extortion schemes was filed on September 29, 2015. Remarks: Dardar is known to be a smoker.
He is believed to be residing in Homs, Syria.
Timeline of Events
🕵️
2011-09-01
SEA Cyber Attack Campaign Begins
Firas Dardar allegedly begins conducting cyber attacks on behalf of the Syrian Electronic Army under the online nickname 'The Shadow'
🕵️
2014-01-31
SEA Campaign Concludes
The alleged cyber attack campaign targeting U.S. government agencies and private organizations ends
📋
2014-06-12
Criminal Complaint Filed
A criminal complaint is filed in the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia, charging Dardar with conspiracy to gain unauthorized computer access and related offenses
📋
2015-09-29
Cyber Extortion Complaint Filed
A separate criminal complaint is filed charging Dardar with cyber extortion schemes targeting American and international companies
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:September 1, 2011
Last Updated:June 15, 2026
Up to $100,000 Reward
For information leading to the resolution of this case
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Case Information
Incident:September 1, 2011
Last Updated:June 15, 2026
Up to $100,000 Reward
For information leading to the resolution of this case