Twin brothers accused of deleting 96 US government databases after getting fired

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Two twin brothers in the US are accused of deleting 96 government databases minutes after losing their jobs at a tech company.

WASHINGTON: Two twin brothers from Virginia are facing serious criminal charges after allegedly deleting 96 US government databases just minutes after they were fired from a technology company that worked with federal agencies.

According to US investigators, Muneeb and Sohaib Akhter, both 34, carried out the cyberattack in February 2025 after learning they had lost their jobs during a Microsoft Teams meeting. The company they worked for provided software and technology services to around 45 federal government clients, including agencies handling sensitive information.

Authorities said the brothers already had criminal records linked to computer fraud from a previous case in 2015. After serving prison sentences, both later returned to the tech industry and eventually joined the same company in Washington, DC.

Investigators claim the trouble started after the company discovered suspicious activity connected to stolen usernames and passwords. According to court documents, Muneeb had reportedly collected around 5,400 login details from company systems and used custom-made computer scripts to test those passwords on websites including airline accounts, hotel chains and online services. Prosecutors said he successfully accessed several accounts and even used stolen airline miles for personal travel.

The brothers were officially fired on February 18, 2025. But while the company quickly blocked Sohaib’s access, investigators say Muneeb’s account remained active for a short time. In those few minutes, prosecutors claim he began deleting databases connected to US government departments.

Court documents state that at 4:58 pm he deleted a Department of Homeland Security database using a command known as “DROP DATABASE.” Investigators say he later searched online for ways to erase system logs and cover his tracks after the attack.

Within about an hour, authorities believe Muneeb deleted nearly 96 databases, downloaded more than 1,800 sensitive files and accessed tax information linked to at least 450 people.

Prosecutors also revealed messages exchanged between the brothers during the incident. In one conversation, Sohaib allegedly suggested deleting backup systems and even mentioned blackmail ideas before the brothers argued about the risks involved.

After the attack, investigators say the brothers wiped data from their company laptops and reinstalled the operating systems in an attempt to hide evidence. Federal agents later raided their home in Virginia, where they also found firearms and ammunition.

Muneeb later accepted a plea deal and admitted to key charges. Sohaib chose to fight the case in court but was found guilty earlier this month on charges including computer fraud conspiracy and illegal firearm possession. He is expected to be sentenced in September.

The shocking case has sparked fresh discussions in the cybersecurity industry about insider threats and the risks companies face when former employees still have access to sensitive systems after being dismissed.

-Agencies

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