Robert F Kennedy Department of Justice building sign on stone wall.

By Zak Failla From Daily Voice

Federal officials say two Virginia brothers used their contractor access to wipe government databases, steal sensitive files, and even search online for ways to cover their tracks after being fired, according to the Justice Department.

Authorities arrested Alexandria twin brothers Muneeb and Sohaib Akhter, both 34, on charges they conspired to destroy key government databases hosted by a federal contractor, the DOJ announced this week.

Officials say the deleted systems included records for Freedom of Information Act requests, sensitive investigative files, and other federal information used daily by agencies across the country.

“These defendants abused their positions as federal contractors to attack government databases and steal sensitive government information. Their actions jeopardized the security of government systems and disrupted agencies’ ability to serve the American people,” Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew Galeotti said in a statement.

Prosecutors say the brothers were fired before the alleged cyberattack. 

Officials say the pair then accessed systems without permission, blocked others from modifying databases, deleted entire data sets, stole information, and wiped evidence on their company laptops.

According to court documents, Muneeb Akhter deleted about 96 databases on Feb. 18, including DHS records and files used by federal investigators. Officials say about one minute later, he asked an artificial intelligence tool how to clear system logs “following the deletion of databases.”

Prosecutors say the brothers also talked about cleaning out their house before a possible police search. Investigators say their company laptops had been wiped before they were returned.

Authorities say the indictment also accuses Muneeb Akhter of taking information from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission without permission, and stealing copies of IRS files that included federal tax records and the personal information of at least 450 people.

Federal officials say Sohaib Akhter is also charged with trafficking a password that could access a government computer.

“Destroying government records and data is unlawful and can jeopardize public safety and the integrity of agency operations,” FDIC Inspector General Jennifer Fain said. “Such misuse and exploitation by government contractors will not be tolerated.”

If convicted, officials say Muneeb Akhter faces a mandatory minimum of two years in prison for each aggravated identity theft charge and up to 45 years on the rest. Officials say Sohaib Akhter faces up to six years.

The complete indictment can be found here.