Iran-linked hackers on Friday claimed they accessed FBI Director Kash Patel's personal email, posting photographs and documents online.

Axar.az reports, citing Reuters, the hacker group, Handala Hack Team, wrote on their website that Patel "will now find his name among the list of successfully hacked victims."

The leaked material included personal images of Patel smoking cigars, riding in an antique convertible, and taking a selfie with a large bottle of rum.

A Justice Department official confirmed the breach, noting the material "appeared authentic." The FBI and the hackers did not respond to requests for comment.

Handala, which presents itself as a pro-Palestinian vigilante group, is believed by Western researchers to be among several personas used by Iranian government cyberintelligence units.