Hacker illustration [Reuters=Yonhap News]

An Iranian hacker who caused $3.4 billion (approximately 5.253 trillion won) in damages to major institutions including universities in the United States has been arrested in Montenegro, AFP reported on the 25th (local time).

Montenegrin police announced that they apprehended a 39-year-old man, a dual citizen of Iran and Turkey, in the coastal city of Kotor in cooperation with the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Police explained that the suspect was wanted by the U.S. on charges of cybercrime, organized crime, fraud, hacking, and identity theft.

"Starting in 2013, as a collaborator for an Iranian entity, he launched large-scale attacks on major U.S. infrastructure, including 150 universities," police stated, adding, "The damage resulting from his actions is estimated to be over $3.4 billion."

Furthermore, they added that the data leaked by the suspect was used for the benefit of forces within Iran, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and various universities.

The suspect is expected to be extradited to the U.S. soon and is scheduled to appear in court in Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro, for this process, according to AFP.