What Happened to Twin Brothers Government Database Wipe (Akhter Brothers Incident)?
In February 2025, twin brothers Muneeb and Sohaib Akhter, former federal contractors, retaliated after being fired by deleting approximately 96 U.S. government databases hosted by their employer, Opexus. This act compromised data from over 45 federal agencies, leading to their arrest in December 2025 and Sohaib's conviction in May 2026, with sentencing pending for both brothers.
Quick Answer
Twin brothers Muneeb and Sohaib Akhter, former federal contractors, orchestrated a significant cyberattack in February 2025, wiping approximately 96 U.S. government databases shortly after their termination from the contractor Opexus. The incident, affecting agencies like DHS, IRS, and EEOC, was a retaliatory act following the discovery of Sohaib's prior felony conviction. Sohaib Akhter was convicted by a federal jury in May 2026 and faces up to 21 years in prison, with his sentencing scheduled for September 9, 2026. Muneeb Akhter faces up to 45 years for his role in the extensive data destruction and theft.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline10 events
Akhter Brothers' First Convictions
Muneeb and Sohaib Akhter pleaded guilty to wire fraud and conspiring to hack into the State Department and other cybercrimes, leading to prison sentences (Muneeb 39 months, Sohaib 24 months).
Unauthorized Password Access
Muneeb Akhter asked Sohaib Akhter for a plaintext password of an individual who submitted a complaint to the EEOC's Public Portal. Sohaib queried the database and provided the password, which Muneeb then used to access the individual's email account without authorization.
Brothers Fired from Opexus
The government contractor, Opexus, discovered Sohaib Akhter's prior felony conviction and terminated both brothers' employment during an online remote meeting.
Database Wipe Incident Begins
Immediately after being fired, the brothers began accessing computer systems without authorization, write-protecting and deleting approximately 96 government databases hosted by Opexus over several hours.
Attempts to Conceal Actions
Muneeb Akhter used an AI tool to ask how to clear system logs after deleting databases. The brothers also discussed cleaning their residence and wiped their employer-owned laptops.
Search Warrant Executed, Firearms Discovered
Following the execution of a search warrant, investigators found that Sohaib Akhter, as a convicted felon, illegally possessed firearms and later took steps to sell them.
Indictment Filed Against Brothers
Muneeb and Sohaib Akhter were indicted on charges including conspiracy to commit computer fraud, destruction of records, aggravated identity theft, and theft of government information.
Akhter Brothers Arrested
Muneeb and Sohaib Akhter were arrested in Alexandria, Virginia, for their alleged roles in the database wipe incident.
Sohaib Akhter Convicted by Federal Jury
A federal jury convicted Sohaib Akhter on charges of conspiracy to commit computer fraud, password trafficking, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
Sohaib Akhter Sentencing Scheduled
Sohaib Akhter's sentencing is scheduled, where he faces a maximum penalty of 21 years in prison. Muneeb Akhter faces up to 45 years for his charges.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The 'Twin Brothers Government Database Wipe' refers to a severe insider threat incident that occurred on February 18, 2025, when twin brothers Muneeb and Sohaib Akhter, federal contractors working for Washington-based Opexus, deleted approximately 96 U.S. government databases. This retaliatory act took place minutes after they were fired from the company. The compromised data included sensitive investigative files and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) records from over 45 federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
The motive for the attack stemmed from their termination. The company discovered Sohaib Akhter's prior felony conviction from 2015, which involved wire fraud and hacking into the State Department, leading to the dismissal of both brothers. Immediately following their remote termination meeting, Muneeb Akhter, who still had active system access, initiated a spree of data destruction. The brothers accessed computers without authorization, write-protected databases, deleted them, and actively attempted to destroy evidence of their activities, including asking an AI assistant how to clear system logs and wiping their company-issued laptops.
Key turning points include their previous convictions in 2015 for similar cybercrimes, which raised questions about the vetting processes for federal contractors. The incident highlighted significant vulnerabilities in offboarding procedures, as Muneeb retained access to critical systems for a crucial period after being fired. The investigation, aided by over 20 federal agencies, led to their arrest in Alexandria, Virginia, in early December 2025.
The consequences of the database wipe were substantial, jeopardizing the security of government systems and disrupting agencies' ability to serve the American public. Muneeb Akhter was accused of deleting 96 databases, copying over 1,800 EEOC files, and stealing IRS records with personally identifiable information from at least 450 individuals. Sohaib Akhter was charged with conspiracy to commit computer fraud and destroy records, and password trafficking. As of May 2026, Sohaib Akhter has been convicted by a federal jury on charges of conspiracy to commit computer fraud, password trafficking, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. He faces a maximum penalty of 21 years in prison, with his sentencing scheduled for September 9, 2026. Muneeb Akhter faces up to 45 years in prison for his charges, including aggravated identity theft.
What If...?
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