The person at the center of this case
United States government agencies, media organizations, and private companies (cyber attack victims)
Cold Case · Open
12 years waiting · since 2014
FIRAS DARDAR
Justice for United States government agencies, media organizations, and private companies (cyber attack victims) — the trail went cold in 2014, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
🎯
suspect
Lead #1What is Firas Dardar's current location and is he still actively involved in cyber operations?
🔍
evidence
Lead #2What specific cyber attacks and extortion schemes can be directly attributed to 'The Shadow' persona?
📞
contact
Lead #3Who are the other members of the Syrian Electronic Army that collaborated with Dardar on these operations?
Firas Dardar is wanted for his alleged role in the Syrian Electronic Army (SEA), a hacking group supporting the Syrian regime. Between September 2011 and January 2014, he allegedly conducted dozens of cyber attacks against U.S. government agencies, media organizations, and private companies using the online alias 'The Shadow,' and is also suspected of orchestrating cyber extortion schemes. Dardar is believed to be residing in Homs, Syria, and remains at large with a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to his capture.
Case
#639
Federal Bureau of Investigation (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.
💡
clue
Lead #4How did Dardar coordinate with the Syrian regime and what was the strategic purpose of the targeted attacks?
👤
person
Lead #5What personal or financial motivations drove Dardar to participate in state-sponsored cyber warfare?
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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
Cyber attack campaign begins
Firas Dardar allegedly begins committing cyber attacks under the online nickname 'The Shadow' on behalf of the Syrian Electronic Army
🕵️
2014-01-31
Cyber attack campaign ends
Alleged cyber attack activities cease by January 2014
🕵️
2014-06-12
Criminal complaint filed
Criminal complaint filed in United States District Court, Eastern District of Virginia, charging Dardar with conspiracy to gain unauthorized access to computers and related offenses
🕵️
2015-09-29
Additional charges filed
Separate criminal complaint 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:September 28, 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:September 28, 2026
Up to $100,000 Reward
For information leading to the resolution of this case