A Jordanian man who was residing in Georgia admitted his role as an “access broker” who sold unauthorised access to computer networks of at least 50 victim companies, senior counsel Philip Lamparello announced.
Feras Khalil Ahmad Albashiti, aka r1z, Feras Bashiti, Firas Bashiti, 40, pleaded guilty recently before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp in Trenton federal court to an information charging Albashiti with fraud and related activity involving access credentials.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court, in May 2023, law enforcement officers were investigating an online forum where malware and malicious code were being sold.
Albashiti controlled an online moniker named “r1z” and used it in the online forum.
On May 19, 2023, Albashiti sold unauthorised access to the networks of at least 50 victim companies to an undercover law enforcement officer in exchange for cryptocurrency.
The charge of fraud and related activity in connection with access devices carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000, or twice the gross amount of gains or losses resulting from the offence.
The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs secured Albashiti’s extradition from Georgia in July 2024.
Sentencing is scheduled for May 11, 2026.
