Virginia man found guilty of destroying government databases after being fired

Bleeping Computer reports that a Virginia man has been found guilty of conspiring to destroy dozens of government databases after his employment as a federal contractor was terminated. Sohaib Akhter, 34, was convicted by a federal jury for his role in the incident.

The incident occurred on February 18, 2025, shortly after Sohaib Akhter and his twin brother, Muneeb Akhter, were fired by their employer, a company that serviced over 45 federal agencies. Following their termination, the brothers allegedly accessed computer systems without authorization, write-protected and deleted approximately 96 government databases, and destroyed evidence of their actions. This included sensitive investigative documents and Freedom of Information Act records.

Prosecutors stated that the brothers also sought to conceal their activities by asking an AI assistant how to clear system logs and by wiping company laptops. Sohaib Akhter faces a maximum of 21 years in prison, while his brother Muneeb faces up to 45 years for his involvement in computer fraud, destruction of records, and aggravated identity theft.

Source: Bleeping Computer