A Romanian national has pleaded guilty to charges related to his involvement in a “swatting” ring that targeted numerous public officials, including a former US president. The 26-year-old, known by the aliases “Plank,” “Jonah,” and “Cypher,” participated in a conspiracy to make fake 911 calls and bomb threats against government officials and houses of worship.
Working alongside a co-conspirator, 21-year-old Serbian national Nemanja Radovanovic, the pair targeted around 100 individuals, including members of Congress, governors, cabinet-level officials, and state officials. One of their victims was described as a “former elected official from the executive branch,” who was swatted on January 9, 2024, with a false report of a murder and a bomb threat at their residence.
The indictment revealed that Szabo directed Radovanovic to make the threatening calls, targeting individuals from both political parties. The scheme began in December 2020 when Szabo threatened a mass shooting at synagogues in New York City. Subsequent threats included plans to detonate explosives at the US Capitol Building and harm then-President-elect Joe Biden.
Szabo, who was extradited from Romania in November, pleaded guilty to conspiracy and making bomb threats. He is scheduled to be sentenced in a Washington, DC, federal court in October. Meanwhile, charges against Radovanovic are still pending.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized the seriousness of the case, stating that Szabo led a dangerous criminal conspiracy that threatened government officials and security infrastructure. FBI Director Kash Patel echoed this sentiment, declaring that swatting will not be tolerated by the FBI. He emphasized the commitment to working with international partners to bring those responsible for such threats to justice.
The case serves as a reminder of the potential dangers posed by cybercriminals who hide behind screens to carry out malicious acts. The authorities are dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of the American people by holding such individuals accountable for their actions.
