The person at the center of this case
Firas Dardar (fugitive suspect)
Cold Case · Open
11 years waiting · since 2014
FIRAS DARDAR
Justice for Firas Dardar (fugitive suspect) — 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 status within Syria, and does he maintain active involvement in cyber operations?
🔍
evidence
Lead #2How were the cyber attacks attributed to 'The Shadow' and what technical evidence links Dardar to the SEA operations?
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contact
Lead #3Who are known associates or members of the Syrian Electronic Army that may have direct contact with Dardar?
Firas Dardar is wanted 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 organizations, and private companies between 2011 and 2014 using the online 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 residing in Homs, Syria, and a $100,000 reward is offered for information leading to his location and apprehension.
Case
#639
United States District Court, Eastern District of Virginia; Federal Bureau of Investigation
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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 #4What specific companies and government agencies were targeted in the extortion schemes, and were any payments made?
👤
person
Lead #5What is known about Dardar's background, training, and motivations for joining the Syrian Electronic Army?
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 committing cyber attacks under the alias 'The Shadow' in support of the Syrian regime
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2014-01-31
Campaign Period Ends
Alleged cyber attack campaign concludes after dozens of attacks against U.S. government and private organizations
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2014-06-12
Criminal Complaint Filed
Criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia charging Dardar with conspiracy to gain unauthorized computer access and related charges
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2015-09-29
Extortion 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:April 29, 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:April 29, 2026
Up to $100,000 Reward
For information leading to the resolution of this case