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Romanian Swatting-Ring Leader Sentenced to Four Years in U.S. Prison

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Summary

Thomasz Szabo was sentenced to four years in federal prison for leading an online swatting ring that targeted public officials, journalists, and religious institutions. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy and threats involving explosives.

Key points

  • Szabo was sentenced to four years in federal prison and three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy and threats involving explosives.
  • According to court documents, he personally made false threats against New York City synagogues and the U.S. Capitol.
  • The article says the ring targeted more than 75 public officials, multiple journalists, and four religious institutions.
  • Szabo encouraged followers to carry out similar attacks, including a spree targeting officials from December 2023 to early January 2024.
  • Szabo was extradited from Romania; accomplice Nemanja Radovanovic was charged separately and faces separate proceedings.

Article Details

Event Type
Federal sentencing of the leader of an online swatting ring
Impact
Thomasz Szabo was sentenced to four years in federal prison and three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy and threats involving explosives. The ring targeted more than 75 public officials, multiple journalists, and four religious institutions. The attacks wasted law enforcement resources and taxpayer money and put civilians at risk.

People

Jeanine PirroIdentified as the U.S. Attorney who commented on Szabo’s sentencing and the targets of the swatting attacks.Michael BurgwaldIdentified as an FBI Special Agent who commented on the attacks’ effects on law enforcement resources, taxpayer dollars, and civilian safety.

Threat Actors

CypherAn online alias that the source says Thomasz Szabo used while operating the swatting ring.JonahAn online alias that the source says Thomasz Szabo used while operating the swatting ring.Jonah GoldbergAn online alias that the source says Thomasz Szabo used while operating the swatting ring.KollectivistAn online alias that the source says Thomasz Szabo used while operating the swatting ring.Mortenberg ShekelstormsAn online alias that the source says Thomasz Szabo used while operating the swatting ring.Nemanja RadovanovicThe source identifies Radovanovic as Szabo’s accomplice, says he was charged in August 2024 in connection with the scheme, and notes that he faces separate proceedings.NotThuggin2An online alias that the source says Thomasz Szabo used while operating the swatting ring.PlankAn online alias that the source says Thomasz Szabo used while operating the swatting ring.RamblerAn online alias that the source says Thomasz Szabo used while operating the swatting ring.ShovelAn online alias that the source says Thomasz Szabo used while operating the swatting ring.Thomasz SzaboThe source reports that Szabo founded and led the online swatting ring, personally made false bomb and mass-shooting threats, and encouraged followers to carry out attacks. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy and threats involving explosives.War LordAn online alias that the source says Thomasz Szabo used while operating the swatting ring.

Countries

RomaniaExtradited from Romania after pleading guilty to conspiracy and threats involving explosives, Szabo personally made false bomb and mass-shooting threats — including against New York City synagogues and the U.S.United StatesExtradited from Romania after pleading guilty to conspiracy and threats involving explosives, Szabo personally made false bomb and mass-shooting threats — including against New York City synagogues and the U.S.

Industries

Religious institutionsA Romanian national, Thomasz Szabo, was sentenced to four years in federal prison for leading an online swatting ring that targeted more than 75 public officials, multiple journalists, and four religious institutions.