A Jordanian national residing in the Republic of Georgia has pleaded guilty to selling unauthorized access to the computer networks of at least 50 companies. The announcement was made by Senior Counsel Philip Lamparello.
Feras Khalil Ahmad Albashiti, also known as “r1z,” “Feras Bashiti,” and “Firas Bashiti,” entered his plea before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp in Trenton federal court. He was charged with fraud and related activity involving access credentials.
Court documents and statements indicate that in May 2023, law enforcement was investigating an online forum where malware and malicious code were being sold. Albashiti used the moniker “r1z” on this forum. On May 19, 2023, he sold unauthorized network access for at least 50 victim companies to an undercover law enforcement officer in exchange for cryptocurrency.
The offense carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the crime. Sentencing is set for May 11, 2026.
Senior Counsel Lamparello credited special agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, led by Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy in Newark, for their work on the investigation that resulted in Albashiti’s guilty plea.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Levin, Deputy Chief of the Cybercrime Unit in Newark, is representing the government.
Defense counsel is Rahul Agarwal.
