Sohaib Akhter, Computer Fraud Conspiracy, Password Trafficking, Virginia 2025

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A shocking case of cyber-enabled betrayal has come to a close in Alexandria, Virginia. Sohaib Akhter, a 34-year-old former employee, has been convicted by a federal jury on charges of conspiracy to commit computer fraud, password trafficking, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

The evidence presented at trial revealed a brazen scheme orchestrated by Akhter and his twin brother, Muneeb Akhter. The brothers worked for a Washington, D.C., company that provided software products and services to over 45 federal government agencies. On February 1, 2025, Muneeb Akhter asked Sohaib Akhter for the plaintext password of an individual who had submitted a complaint to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s Public Portal. Sohaib Akhter conducted a database query on the EEOC database and provided the password to his brother, which was then used to access the individual’s email account without authorization.

The company discovered Sohaib Akhter’s felony conviction on February 18, 2025, and promptly terminated both brothers’ employment during an online remote meeting. However, this was not the end of Akhter’s malicious activities. He continued to delete sensitive government databases, compromising the integrity of federal systems and putting the personal information of Americans at risk.

The conviction of Sohaib Akhter serves as a stark reminder that those who abuse their access to government information will be held accountable. The deliberate deletion of databases and the theft of credentials demonstrate a blatant disregard for the security and integrity of federal information systems.

Sohaib Akhter’s conviction is a testament to the tireless efforts of law enforcement agencies, including the FDIC-OIG’s Electronic Crimes Unit and the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General. Their dedication to aggressively investigating cyber-enabled threats and protecting government networks and data has ensured that those responsible for compromising sensitive information will face justice.

The sentence for Sohaib Akhter has not been disclosed, but his conviction is a significant blow to those who seek to exploit positions of trust for personal gain.

Source: Department of Justice

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