Sumit Garg, Cyberstalking, Washington 2021

SEATTLE, WA – Sumit Garg, 31, a Seattle man masquerading as a cybersecurity professional, is facing federal charges for a disturbing and protracted campaign of cyberstalking and threats. Garg allegedly targeted a former roommate of his spouse, extending his harassment to her family, boyfriend, and even the law enforcement officials and prosecutors attempting to hold him accountable.

According to court documents unsealed today, Garg’s obsession with the victim began after he and his wife moved into an apartment previously occupied by the woman. He allegedly accessed personal information, then unleashed a torrent of threats and sexually explicit material designed to torment her. The indictment details a conspiracy to engage in cyberstalking, three counts of cyberstalking in violation of a criminal order, and two additional counts of cyberstalking.

But Garg didn’t stop at online harassment. He allegedly targeted those connected to the victim, including her uncle, who represented her in obtaining a civil protection order, her current boyfriend, and Detective with the Seattle Police Department investigating the threats. Even the Deputy Prosecuting Attorney handling the case wasn’t spared from Garg’s digital attacks, a brazen attempt to obstruct justice. Garg, ironically employed as a cyber security consultant, attempted to mask his online activity, using his skills to conceal his identity.

The Secret Service, leading the investigation with assistance from the Seattle Police Department, reportedly uncovered evidence that Garg wasn’t content with simply online threats. He was allegedly videotaped in the lobby of the victim’s new apartment building around the same time photos of the location were sent to her, clearly intended to instill fear. Garg was taken into federal custody last week and is currently detained at the Federal Detention Center at SeaTac, following a court order on March 15, 2021.

If convicted of conspiracy to engage in cyberstalking, Garg faces up to five years in prison. The cyberstalking charges carry penalties ranging from a mandatory minimum of one year to a maximum of five years per count. Assistant United States Attorney Francis Franze-Nakamura is prosecuting the case. Authorities emphasize that the indictment contains only allegations, and Garg is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case highlights the chilling reality that even those who profess expertise in digital security can weaponize their skills for malicious purposes. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it moves through the court system, exposing the dark underbelly of online harassment and the lengths to which some will go to terrorize their victims. A copy of the indictment, garg_indictment.pdf, is available for review.

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