Two brothers from Virginia, Muneeb and Sohaib Akhter, have been arrested for allegedly carrying out a deliberate cyberattack on databases belonging to a US federal government contractor. According to the US Department of Justice, the brothers were indicted on November 13 for deleting, tampering with, and stealing sensitive government information shortly after losing their jobs.
Prosecutors say the brothers used their inside access to harm their former employer and its government clients. Court records outline a months-long pattern in which the two allegedly logged into systems without permission, blocked access for others, destroyed data, and attempted to cover their tracks.
Who Are Muneeb and Sohaib?
Muneeb and Sohaib Akhter are twin brothers from Springfield, Virginia. Their names had appeared in headlines once before. In 2015, both were convicted in an earlier hacking case involving a private company and a US State Department system. Back then, Muneeb was sentenced to 39 months in prison, and Sohaib received 24 months.
Allegations of Deleting 96 Government Databases
The most serious incident reportedly took place on February 18, when Muneeb allegedly deleted around 96 databases. These included Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) files and sensitive investigation records. Prosecutors say that only a minute after deleting a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) database, he searched an AI tool for advice on how to clear system logs—an action investigators say shows intent to hide evidence.
The brothers also allegedly discussed cleaning their home in case law enforcement came knocking. Their company laptops, which were still in their possession, were wiped before being returned.
Prosecutors say Muneeb went further by accessing IRS information, including federal tax records belonging to at least 450 individuals. Sohaib, meanwhile, is accused of sharing a password capable of accessing a government system, which is a federal crime.
What Charges Are On Them?
Muneeb faces several charges, including conspiracy to commit computer fraud, destruction of records, government data theft, and aggravated identity theft. Altogether, he could face up to 45 years in prison if found guilty.
Sohaib has been charged with conspiracy, destruction of records, and trafficking in a password that could be used to break into a government computer. He faces a maximum of six years.
Senior Justice Department officials condemned the actions, saying the brothers betrayed the trust placed in federal contractors and jeopardised critical government operations.
The latest allegations suggest another major breach of trust, once again involving systems meant to handle sensitive government information.
