Rajeev Raghavan Strengthens Crowell & Moring’s Privacy & Cybersecurity Group as Former FBI Special Counsel
Washington, D.C. – March 4, 2026: Crowell & Moring has announced the expansion of its Privacy and Cybersecurity Group with the appointment of Rajeev Raghavan, a former Special Counsel to the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and federal prosecutor. Raghavan brings over 15 years of experience in cybercrime, technology, regulatory, and enforcement challenges, complemented by a foundational background in computer programming. His expertise enhances the firm’s capacity to assist clients in addressing evolving cybersecurity threats and navigating a complex legal and regulatory landscape.
Expertise in Cybersecurity and Technology
In his role as Special Counsel to the FBI Director, Raghavan provided strategic advice on significant cyber initiatives, artificial intelligence (AI) strategies, and internal security modernization efforts. His profound understanding of technology positioned him as a key player in the Bureau’s initiatives to combat cybercrime and national security threats. He served as a trusted advisor to the Director and senior leadership on matters related to cybersecurity strategy, policy, AI, federal surveillance authorities, and legislative oversight.
At Crowell & Moring, Raghavan will focus on issues intersecting law, technology, and government policy. His responsibilities will include guiding clients through high-stakes cybersecurity, privacy, and national security challenges, as well as managing data breach investigations, regulatory inquiries, enforcement actions, and congressional investigations. He aims to collaborate with clients to develop comprehensive risk management strategies, which will involve creating tailored incident response plans, conducting tabletop exercises, establishing robust cybersecurity protocols, and enhancing compliance programs.
Leadership in Cybercrime Prosecution
Before his tenure at the FBI, Raghavan served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the District of Maryland, where he investigated and prosecuted a variety of federal criminal cases. He led complex, often transnational cybercrime investigations, addressing issues such as data breaches, dark web markets, account takeovers, ransomware, computer intrusions, and cryptocurrency fraud. Notably, he was instrumental in dismantling WT1SHOP, a prominent online marketplace for stolen credentials, which involved international operations to take down servers and seize domains within the United States.
Raghavan also held the position of Computer Hacking and Intellectual Property Coordinator for the district, acting as a primary contact for cyber matters referred by law enforcement. His oversight extended to investigations into sanctions violations, national security issues, public corruption, procurement fraud, healthcare fraud, money laundering, and various financial crimes. His contributions earned him the 2021 U.S. Attorney’s Office FBI Service Award and a commendation from the U.S. Postal Service.
Bridging Legal and Technical Domains
Jeffrey L. Poston, co-chair of Crowell & Moring’s Privacy and Cybersecurity Group, noted Raghavan’s unique ability to bridge legal and technical domains. His extensive background, which includes senior roles at the FBI, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and private practice, along with his experience as a computer programmer, equips him with insights into the challenges and opportunities businesses face. As regulatory scrutiny of new technologies increases, Raghavan’s guidance will be invaluable for companies navigating this rapidly evolving environment.
Raghavan emphasized the multifaceted threats companies face today, including nation-state actors, cybercriminals, and insider risks, alongside an expanding array of legal and regulatory requirements related to cybersecurity, privacy, and national security. He stated that cyber and privacy risks are fundamentally business risks, necessitating advice that is legally sound, technically informed, and practical under pressure. Raghavan expressed enthusiasm about joining Crowell & Moring and collaborating with clients to enhance preparedness, manage crises, and tackle complex legal and regulatory challenges in a dynamic landscape.
Previous Private Sector Experience
Raghavan’s private sector experience includes roles at Covington & Burling and Linklaters, where he provided counsel on investigations by the Justice Department and the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as in civil litigation matters.
He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Dayton, a master’s degree from the University of Michigan, and a law degree, cum laude, from the University of Michigan Law School. Raghavan also completed a clerkship for the Honorable William J. Martini of the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.
About Crowell & Moring LLP
Crowell & Moring is an international law firm with operations in the United States, Europe, and the MENA region. The firm leverages extensive government, business, industry, and legal experience to help clients capitalize on opportunities while providing innovative solutions to complex regulatory, policy, litigation, transactional, and intellectual property issues. Crowell & Moring is recognized for its commitment to pro bono service and its initiatives aimed at advancing the professional and personal development of its community members.
For more information, visit www.crowell.com.
Media Contact
Email: prteam@crowell.com
