Two Virginia brothers arrested for plot to wipe federal databases, steal sensitive records

Federal prosecutors say the defendants, Muneeb Akhter and Sohaib Akhter, both 34, used their access as government contractors to target systems tied to multiple US agencies after their employment ended. The brothers were indicted Nov. 13 and face a range of charges tied to unauthorized computer access, database deletions, and theft of government information.

“These defendants abused their positions as federal contractors to attack government databases and steal sensitive government information,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, adding that the alleged acts jeopardized system security and interfered with agencies’ ability to serve the public.

US Attorney Lindsey Halligan for the Eastern District of Virginia said the case reflects an effort to hold accountable anyone who “abuses the trust placed in them to safeguard vital government information” and deliberately compromises government data infrastructure.

Investigators allege that after they were terminated, the brothers sought to harm both their former employer and its government customers by accessing systems without authorization, locking others out of modifying databases before deletion, deleting data, stealing information, and attempting to cover their tracks.

According to court documents, on or about Feb. 18, Muneeb Akhter allegedly deleted roughly 96 databases containing U.S. government information. Prosecutors say many of the affected databases included records connected to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) matters administered across federal departments and agencies, as well as sensitive investigative files.

In one striking allegation, court filings say that about a minute after deleting a Department of Homeland Security database, Muneeb Akhter used an artificial intelligence tool to ask how to clear system logs after deleting databases, an action authorities characterize as an attempt to erase evidence.

The indictment also describes efforts to prepare for potential law enforcement action. The brothers allegedly discussed cleaning out their home in anticipation of a search, and prosecutors say company laptops used by both men were wiped before being returned to the contractor.

Beyond the database deletions, Muneeb Akhter is also accused of unlawfully obtaining information from the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission after his firing. Prosecutors further allege he stole copies of IRS information stored on a virtual machine, including federal tax data and identifying details for at least 450 people.

Sohaib Akhter, meanwhile, is charged with trafficking in a password that authorities say could be used to access a computer “used by and for” the US government.

Muneeb Akhter faces charges of conspiracy to commit computer fraud and to destroy records, two counts of computer fraud, theft of US government records, and two counts of aggravated identity theft. Sohaib Akhter is charged with conspiracy to commit computer fraud and to destroy records, as well as computer fraud related to password trafficking.

If convicted, prosecutors say Muneeb Akhter faces a mandatory minimum of two years in prison for each aggravated identity theft count and up to 45 years on the remaining charges. Sohaib Akhter faces up to six years in prison if convicted.

FDIC Inspector General Jennifer L. Fain condemned the alleged conduct, warning that destroying government records is unlawful and can endanger public safety and agency operations. DHS Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari also emphasized that contractors who misuse access “will be held accountable,” describing the alleged actions as threats to national security.