|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A Romanian citizen has pleaded guilty to orchestrating an extensive swatting and bomb threat campaign that targeted over 75 public officials, religious institutions, and members of the media — including a former U.S. president.
Thomasz Szabo, 26, also known online as “Plank,” “Jonah,” and “Cypher,” admitted in court to leading an online conspiracy responsible for a series of violent hoaxes across the United States. His actions included false reports of bomb threats and active shooter situations aimed at federal officials, members of Congress, houses of worship, and journalists, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
“This defendant led a dangerous swatting conspiracy, threatening dozens of officials and targeting national security infrastructure from behind a screen overseas,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This case reflects our commitment to stopping such threats at their source.”
Widespread and Coordinated Attacks
Szabo and his co-conspirators launched their campaign in late 2020, falsely reporting active emergencies in an effort to provoke armed law enforcement responses — a tactic known as “swatting.” These malicious hoaxes included:
- A December 2020 threat to commit a mass shooting at New York City synagogues
- A January 2021 bomb threat against the U.S. Capitol, along with a threat to assassinate the President-elect
In a spree between December 24, 2023, and early January 2024, Szabo’s network carried out dozens of coordinated threats, impacting:
- 25+ Members of Congress and their families
- Multiple Cabinet-level officials and senior executive branch leaders
- Senior law enforcement officials, including heads of federal agencies
- Judges, state officials, and religious institutions
- Prominent journalists and media organizations
One of Szabo’s subordinates reportedly bragged during the spree:
“I did 25+ swattings today… creating massive havoc in America. $500,000+ in taxpayer money wasted in just two days.”
Guilty Plea and Sentencing
Szabo pleaded guilty to:
- One count of conspiracy, carrying a maximum sentence of 5 years
- One count of making threats involving explosives, which carries up to 10 years in prison
He is scheduled to be sentenced on October 23. A federal judge will determine the final sentence based on statutory guidelines.
International Cooperation and Extradition
Szabo was extradited from Romania in November 2024 following a coordinated international effort. The case involved cooperation between U.S. and Romanian law enforcement agencies, including:
- U.S. Secret Service Washington Field Office and Criminal Investigative Division
- FBI Washington and Minneapolis Field Offices
- U.S. Capitol Police
- Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs
- Romanian authorities and the FBI’s Legat Office in Bucharest
“Swatting endangers lives and wastes resources,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “We are committed to working with international partners to bring keyboard criminals like Szabo to justice.”
“This defendant’s ruthless actions put countless lives at risk,” added U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro for the District of Columbia. “These attacks disrupt lives, divert emergency responders, and can lead to real harm. Perpetrators will be held fully accountable.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia is prosecuting the case with assistance from the DOJ’s National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
