A Jordanian man who had been residing in the Republic of Georgia has pleaded guilty to selling unauthorized access to computer networks of dozens of companies.
Feras Khalil Ahmad Albashiti, 40, also known online as “r1z,” and “Feras Bashiti” pleaded guilty to fraud and related activity involving access credentials.
Prosecutors said that in May 2023, law enforcement agents were monitoring an online forum where malware and other malicious tools were offered for sale. Albashiti allegedly operated under the moniker “r1z” on the forum and used it to broker illicit access to corporate computer networks. On May 19, 2023, he sold an undercover officer unauthorized access to the networks of at least 50 victim companies in exchange for cryptocurrency.
The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss resulting from the offense. Albashiti was extradited from Georgia in July 2024. Sentencing is scheduled for May 11, 2026.