Two brothers from Virginia, Muneeb and Sohaib Akhter, were arrested for allegedly conspiring to destroy databases belonging to a US federal government contractor. They were indicted on November 13 for deleting and tampering with sensitive government information, according to US Department of Justice.According to court documents, after losing their jobs, the brothers allegedly sought to harm the company and its government clients. They reportedly accessed computers without authorisation, issued commands to block others from modifying databases, deleted databases, stole information, and destroyed evidence.On 18 February, Muneeb allegedly deleted about 96 databases, including Freedom of Information Act records and sensitive investigative files. One minute after deleting a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) database, he reportedly asked an AI tool how to clear system logs. The brothers also discussed cleaning out their home ahead of a potential law enforcement search, and their company laptops were wiped before being returned.Muneeb is accused of obtaining information from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and stealing IRS data, including federal tax records of at least 450 people. Sohaib is charged with trafficking in a password that could access a government computer.Muneeb faces charges of conspiracy to commit computer fraud and destroy records, two counts of computer fraud, theft of US government records, and two counts of aggravated identity theft. Sohaib faces conspiracy to commit computer fraud, destruction of records, and computer fraud (password trafficking). If convicted, Muneeb could face up to 45 years in prison, and Sohaib up to six years.Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division said: “These defendants abused their positions as federal contractors to attack government databases and steal sensitive government information. Their actions jeopardised the security of government systems and disrupted agencies’ ability to serve the American people. The Criminal Division remains committed to investigating and prosecuting those who compromise sensitive information and threaten the integrity of government operations.”
