US Sanctions Mabna Institute Hackers for Iranian Cyber-Attacks

The US announced Operation Economic Outcast and sanctioned nearly 60 individuals and entities, including five tied to the Mabna Institute — a suspected Iran-linked hacking-for-hire group indicted for cyber-espionage targeting hundreds of universities, companies, and government agencies since at least 2013. OFAC published 30 crypto addresses associated with defendants holding roughly $16.8M, and blockchain analysis indicates fund layering and cash-out behavior; the actions expand sectoral sanctions and pose compliance risks for financial and crypto services.