US prosecutors have charged an Iranian man with hacking into HBO and attempting to blackmail the cable TV network with stolen episodes and plot summaries for unaired programs, including "Game of Thrones."
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An indictment filed in a federal court in Manhattan on Tuesday accused 29-year old Behzad Mesri of hacking into HBO's computer system in New York in July.
Acting US Attorney Joon Kim told a news conference that US prosecutors had publicly charged Mesri with computer fraud, wire fraud, extortion and identity theft and also put him on the FBI's most-wanted list as a deterrent to others.
Kim added that Mesri was in Iran and would "face consequences," even though US authorities could not immediately arrest him. "He will never be able to travel outside of Iran without fear of being arrested and brought here," Kim said.
"American ingenuity and creativity is to be cultivated and celebrated — not hacked, stolen, and held for ransom."
One of Mesri's threats was to release plotlines and scripts for the fantasy series "Game of Thrones," which has brought in record viewership for HBO.
$6 million ransom
According to the indictment, Mesri is alleged to have stolen unaired episodes from shows including "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and "The Deuce," and plot summaries and scripts for "Game of Thrones."
The 29-year old is said to have demanded up to $6 million (€5.1 million) in emails sent to HBO staff to keep the data secret. Some of the emails ended with photos of the Night King, a zombie villain from "Game of Thrones," according to the indictment.
HBO refused to pay the ransom, and Mesri is said to have begun leaking parts of the stolen material on his websites.
US authorities said Mesri sometimes worked with a hacker group in Iran called Turk Black Hat Security, and also with the Iranian military to conduct cyberattacks targeting military and nuclear software systems and Israeli infrastructure.
The latest sequel of 'Game of Thrones' contains a lot of violence
Finally, the much-awaited seventh sequel of the fantasy series "Game of Thrones" has started. Chances are that it gets even bloodier than the previous seasons.
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Blood, fire and smoke
The seventh season of "Game of Thrones" promises a lot of action. The trailers seem to hint at a forthcoming war. It's quite likely that the latest season turns out to be more violent than the earlier installments.
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Finally in Westeros
She's home. Toward the end of the sixth sequel, Daenerys Targaryen takes off to Westeros, accompanied by a gigantic armada. Obviously, she's arrived there all right - and now she's demanding her rightful place on the Iron Throne.
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Powerful support
Her chances are good because she can count on powerful supporters. In addition to the Unsullied Army (background) led by Grey Worm (r), Queen Daenerys can rely on Missandei, Tyrion Lannister and Lord Varys (from left to right), as well as her three gigantic dragons and the Dothraki horse riders. But until now, another woman has been sitting on the Iron Throne.
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A queen under pressure
Cersei Lannister still rules Westeros. However, the Queen and her brother Jamie (r.) are under mounting pressure. In the trailer for the latest season, Cersei notes that they are surrounded: "Enemies to the East, enemies to the West, enemies to the South, enemies to the North." And yet she is eager to hold the throne: "Whatever may come our way, we will be victorious."
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In eternal ice
His story promises to remain thrilling as well. After losing his loyal companion Hodor in the last season, Bran Stark must now rely only on himself - almost. Meera remains at his side in the seventh season. And both of them still seem to be on the run. Could it be that the White Walkers are nearing them?
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A ride into the unknown
Sandor Clegane, better known as The Hound, goes in a different direction. Together with the Brotherhood Without Banners, he rides North in order to fight against the threatening invasion of the White Walkers with the help of the troops stationed there.
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Books instead of swords
The story of Sam Tarly and his Wildling wife Gilly also continues in the latest season of "Game of Thrones." Sam, who has always preferred books over swords, aims to become a master - a scholar. And Gilly seems to enjoy reading as well.
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Ready for the battle
Wildling leader Tormund and warrior Brienne of Tarth definitely do prefer the sword, however. It seems that they are preparing for a huge battle in the high North, namely the fight against the White Walkers. But that isn't Tormund's only interest. Already in the last sequel, the guy with the red beard showed an interest in the tall blond woman.
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Ambivalent relationship
Petyr Baelish alias Littlefinger was Sansa's savior in a dangerous situation. Thanks to his troops, she and her half-brother John Snow won the battle of Winterfell. Despite that, the oldest daughter of Stark mistrusts the enigmatic lord. It will be quite interesting to watch how this ambivalent relationship plays out.
