A Jordanian man residing in the Republic of Georgia has admitted to selling unauthorized access to the computer networks of at least 50 companies. Senior Counsel Philip Lamparello announced that Feras Khalil Ahmad Albashiti, also known as “r1z,” “Feras Bashiti,” and “Firas Bashiti,” pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp in Trenton federal court.
Court documents and statements revealed that in May 2023, law enforcement was investigating an online forum used for selling malware and malicious code. Albashiti operated under the name “r1z” on this forum. On May 19, 2023, he sold unauthorized access to the networks of more than 50 victim companies to an undercover law enforcement officer in exchange for cryptocurrency.
The charge against Albashiti—fraud and related activity involving access devices—carries a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and a fine up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. 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 leading to 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.
