A former federal contractor has been convicted of helping destroy dozens of US government databases after being fired from his job.
Sohaib Akhter, 34, of Virginia, was found guilty of conspiring to damage protected computer systems and erase sensitive government records following his termination from a government contracting company in February 2025. His twin brother and co-defendant, Muneeb Akhter, faces related charges and is awaiting trial.
Prosecutors said the brothers were dismissed during a remote online meeting after their employer learned of Sohaib Akhter’s prior felony conviction. Within hours of being fired, the two allegedly accessed company systems without authorization and began deleting databases linked to more than 45 federal agencies.
Court documents allege the brothers wiped approximately 96 government databases, including investigative files and Freedom of Information Act records maintained by several federal agencies. The pair also used commands to lock databases from modification before deleting them and later attempted to cover their tracks by destroying evidence.
Authorities further alleged that after deleting a Department of Homeland Security database, the brothers asked an artificial intelligence assistant how to erase system logs. Prosecutors said they also discussed cleaning out their home ahead of a possible law enforcement search and wiped company laptops before returning them.
In 2016, both brothers pleaded guilty to illegally accessing US State Department systems and stealing personal information belonging to co-workers and a federal law enforcement officer investigating them. Despite having served prison sentences, they later returned to work as government contractors.
Sohaib Akhter is scheduled to be sentenced on September 9, 2026, and faces up to 21 years in prison. Muneeb Akhter faces a maximum sentence of 45 years on charges including computer fraud, aggravated identity theft, destruction of records, and theft of government information.