Virginia Man Convicted of Conspiracy to Delete U.S. Government Databases
A federal jury in Alexandria convicted Sohaib Akhter, 34, on charges of conspiracy to commit computer fraud, password trafficking, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. The conviction triggers mandatory federal sentencing proceedings that will determine prison terms and restitution for damage to government systems.
usatoday.comALEXANDRIA, Virginia — A federal jury convicted Sohaib Akhter, 34, of Alexandria on May 7 on charges of conspiracy to commit computer fraud, password trafficking, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person for his role in the deletion of U.S. government databases.
The jury found Akhter participated in a scheme that targeted federal databases maintained by multiple agencies. The exact number of systems affected and volume of data deleted were not detailed in the Department of Justice announcement. The computer-fraud conspiracy count carries a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison, while the password-trafficking count carries a maximum of one year.
The firearm count applies because Akhter is a prohibited person under federal law.
Prior to the verdict, Akhter maintained his innocence and the case proceeded to trial in the Eastern District of Virginia. The new state is a felony conviction on all three counts. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled; under federal rules the probation office must complete a presentence investigation report before the judge sets a date.
The conviction means U.S. District Judge will next determine a prison term, fines, and any restitution for costs of database restoration and lost data. Federal agencies whose systems were deleted must continue remediation efforts already under way. The Justice Department can now pursue forfeiture of any assets tied to the offense.
The case also activates standard post-conviction supervision requirements if Akhter receives less than the statutory maximum.
This is the latest federal prosecution involving insider or conspiratorial access to government networks. The Department of Justice has pursued similar computer-fraud cases against individuals who obtained elevated credentials and then damaged or exfiltrated official data.
The verdict follows standard federal investigative steps that include forensic recovery of deleted records and tracing of trafficked passwords across multiple jurisdictions.
Per the Department of Justice release, the jury returned the guilty verdict after trial in Alexandria federal court.
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