Attorneys at Almeida Law Group are investigating whether a class action lawsuit can be filed on behalf of individuals affected by a possible MEI Architects data breach. According to dark web monitoring sources, a hacker group calling itself Dark Project claimed responsibility for a cyberattack on MEI Architects in a post first observed in September 2026, alleging it had gained access to internal company systems. As of this writing, MEI Architects has not issued a public confirmation of the incident, and the exact scope of any exposed data remains unknown. If you believe you were affected, contact Almeida Law Group.
About MEI Architects
MEI Architects is an architecture, interior design, and planning firm established in 2003 and based in San Francisco, California. The firm designs spaces for the public realm across a wide range of project types, including healthcare, civic, commercial, residential, mixed-use, and transportation. Notable projects include the Portsmouth Square Improvement Project and the VA Palo Alto Polytrauma Aquatic Therapy Center. The firm has between 11 and 50 employees.
What Happened?
MEI Architects was listed in a ransomware leak-site allegation reported by Ransomware.live. On September 7th, 2026, the Dark Project ransomware group posted a claim on its dark-web leak site alleging it had attacked the firm. The claim was cataloged by Ransomware.live as well as third-party security reporting outlets including RedPacket Security.
According to the attacker’s unverified post, approximately 340 GB of data — roughly 130,000 files — was allegedly exfiltrated. The claimed data types include Social Security numbers, passports, green cards, invoices, HR documents, and architectural drawings from past, current, and in-progress projects. These claims originate solely from the ransomware group and have not been confirmed by MEI Architects or any independent source. No ransom amount, screenshots, or downloadable files were included in the leak post.
Dark Project is described by Ransomware.live as an emerging group, first publicly observed in August 2026, whose claims should be treated with caution until independently verified. The group appears to be a financially motivated ransomware and data-extortion operation and has claimed multiple other victims since its emergence. No independent corroborating source confirming MEI Architects as a victim was found.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Company or Organization: MEI Architects
- Industry: Architecture and Planning / Professional Services
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Incident type: Ransomware leak-site allegation (dark-web claim, unverified)
- Litigation status: No class action or litigation connected to this incident was found in public sources as of September 8th, 2026.
- Source: Ransomware.live – Victim: MEI Architects; RedPacket Security – [DARK PROJECT] Ransomware Victim: MEI Architects; Ransomware.live – Group: Dark Project
What Should You Do?
If you believe your information may have been exposed, consider taking steps now to protect yourself. Place a fraud alert or credit freeze with the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — to help prevent unauthorized accounts from being opened in your name. Monitor your credit reports regularly through AnnualCreditReport.com, and review your financial and benefits statements for any unusual activity. If your Social Security number was involved, you can report identity theft and get a recovery plan at IdentityTheft.gov. Stay alert to phishing attempts or suspicious communications that may reference your personal details.
Your Legal Rights
If your personal information was involved in this breach, you may have legal rights depending on the facts of the incident and the law in your state. Almeida Law Group represents consumers in data breach and privacy litigation and can help you evaluate whether you may have a claim. Contact us at (708) 529-5418 or through our contact page for a free case evaluation.
