Washington, March 27 -- In a significant security breach, cyber criminals with alleged links to Iran have successfully infiltrated the personal email account of FBI Director Kash Patel, sources familiar with the matter informed CBS News on Friday.

The incident marks a high-profile targeting of a top American security official. When approached regarding the development, a spokesperson for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) did not offer an immediate comment.

According to CBS News, the hacking collective known as Handala HackTeam has claimed responsibility for the intrusion. To substantiate their claims, the group released images online featuring the FBI Director along with what is purportedly his personal resume.

The timing of th...