DOJ names Iranian as hacker who stole unaired episodes from HBO

“Those hiding behind keyboards in countries far away—eventually, winter will come.”

On Tuesday, federal authorities in New York indicted Behzad Mesri, an Iranian citizen, accusing him of hacking HBO earlier this year.
Seeing as Iran and the United States lack an extradition treaty, it is unlikely that Mesri will be sent to the United States to face the charges, unless he somehow decides to come to the states of his own volition.

According to prosecutors, Mesri stole unaired episodes of Game of Thrones, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and other popular shows. He then allegedly demanded a ransom of $5.5 million, payable in Bitcoin.

"Mesri now stands charged with federal crimes, and although not arrested today, he will forever have to look over his shoulder until he is made to face justice," acting US Attorney for the Southern District of New York Joon Kim said in a statement. "American ingenuity and creativity is to be cultivated and celebrated—not hacked, stolen, and held for ransom. For hackers who test our resolve in protecting our intellectual property—even those hiding behind keyboards in countries far away—eventually, winter will come."

As Ars reported in July, HBO has fought hard to prevent storylines from GoT from leaking. In 2015, the first four episodes to the show's fifth season became available on torrent sites before being aired on the network. HBO said the leaked episodes originated from a group HBO had approved to receive them.

The FBI has issued a wanted poster for Mesri's arrest.