Hacker Leaks Stolen Orange Is The New Black Episodes

Someone has committed a real-life crime involving a fictional series all about breaking the law.

As reported by Variety, an anonymous hacker known as "thedarkoverlord" has leaked the first ten episodes of the fifth season of Orange Is the New Black. Netflix reportedly failed to respond to the blackmailing hacker's previous threats, which apparently included demanding that Netflix pay a ransom of an unspecified amount. This was the alleged catalyst that set the devious plans into motion.

"Thedarkoverlord" reportedly released the episodes to a file-sharing website early in the morning on April 29. Variety notes that the leak occurred on Pirate Bay, while others cite Pastebin, a similar site, as the true location. In total, ten files were leaked, totaling 11.46 gigabytes of Orange Is the New Black content.

The individual, who uses the Twitter handle @tdohack3r, took to social media to release a statement regarding the leak, and to threaten other major companies like ABC, Fox, National Geographic, and IFC. Apparently, the hacker is also in possession of shows from these networks, which were allegedly obtained in late 2016 as a means to attack post-production studio Larson Studios.

"Who is next on the list? FOX, IFC, NAT GEO, and ABC. Oh, what fun we're all going to have. We're not playing any games anymore," the hacker tweeted. "We're calling you out."

Orange Is the New Black season 5 is slated for release on June 9, and is set to run for 13 episodes. The hacker explained that he or she was unable to obtain the final three installments because the attack was set into motion before they were available. In a later statement (via Variety), "thedarkoverlord" wrote, "Do note that there are 13 episodes. However, we were so early when we acquired the copies that post hadn't gotten around to Episodes 11 to 13. Perhaps Netflix will consider releasing the season earlier now that the cat's out of the bag?"

The hacker made a point to state that their attack on Netflix isn't over, as the company will be hit with additional leaks in the near future. "There's more Netflix on the feasting menu soon (in addition to the other studios, of course), but we'll get to that later. Enjoy the fruits of our labour," wrote "thedarkoverlord."

Netflix issued a statement in response to the leak: "We are aware of the situation. A production vendor used by several major TV studios had its security compromised and the appropriate law enforcement authorities are involved."

The exact motive behind the theft and piracy is unknown, though the apparent influence is profit. The hacker or hackers mentioned that they extorted Netflix for a sum of money, but the leak could have been carried out to gain status in the cybercrime community.

"Thedarkoverlord" later scolded Netflix for reportedly not obliging to their "modest offer" and failing to provide them with the requested finances. "It didn't have to be this way, Netflix. You're going to lose a lot more money in all of this than what our modest offer was," the hacker said. "We're quite ashamed to breathe the same air as you. We figured a pragmatic business such as yourselves would see and understand the benefits of cooperating with a reasonable and merciful entity like ourselves."

In now expected fashion, the hacker shifted focus from Netflix to the aforementioned networks whose series were reportedly stolen. "To the others: there's still time to save yourselves. Our offer(s) are still on the table—for now," the hacker wrote.

Netflix has told the Associated Press (via Deadline) that the situation is "active" and that "the FBI and others are investigating." It's currently unclear what impact the leak will have on Orange Is the New Black season 5, or what the piracy and theft will have on Netflix and the additional companies overall.

Orange Is the New Black is set to return to Netflix on June 9, but perhaps the streaming service will push up the debut date in light of this event. In the meantime, find out what the show gets wrong about prison.