Romanian National Pleads Guilty in High-Profile Swatting Conspiracy
Washington, D.C. — Thomasz Szabo, a 26-year-old Romanian national, entered a guilty plea on Monday for his involvement in a disturbing “swatting” ring that targeted dozens of public officials, including a former U.S. president. This plea comes amidst heightened concerns over the threats posed to public safety and government officials.
The Swatting Conspiracy
Szabo, known by aliases such as “Plank,” “Jonah,” and “Cypher,” has been implicated in a years-long scheme that involved making false emergency calls to law enforcement. These hoaxes claimed that serious emergencies, such as bomb threats and homicides, were occurring at the residences of high-ranking officials, effectively putting both their lives and those of first responders at risk.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Szabo collaborated with 21-year-old Serbian national Nemanja Radovanovic. Together, they allegedly targeted approximately 100 individuals, which included members of Congress, state governors, cabinet officials, and other government representatives from both political parties.
A Widespread Threat
One of the most alarming incidents cited in the indictment occurred on January 9, 2024, when Radovanovic reportedly filed a bogus emergency call, claiming a murder at the home of a former high-ranking official, along with threats to blow up the residence. Szabo appeared to have a hand in selecting victims, demonstrating that his threats were politically indiscriminate. “We are not on any side,” Szabo is alleged to have instructed Radovanovic regarding their targets.
The series of menacing calls began in December 2020, when Szabo prompted terror by threatening to carry out a mass shooting at multiple synagogues in New York City. Further threats included a call made just days before Joe Biden’s inauguration, in which Szabo threatened to detonate explosives at the U.S. Capitol.
Legal Proceedings and Future Outlook
Szabo, who was extradited from Romania last November, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy and one count of making bomb threats. He is expected to be sentenced in a federal court in Washington, D.C. this October. Radovanovic remains uncharged as legal proceedings against him are still pending.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi condemned Szabo’s actions, describing his conduct as a serious threat to national security and emphasizing the collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies to combat such crimes. “This defendant led a dangerous swatting criminal conspiracy, deliberately threatening dozens of government officials with violent hoaxes,” Bondi stated.
FBI Director Kash Patel also issued a firm warning: “Swatting endangers lives and will not be tolerated by the FBI.” He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to prosecuting criminals who hide behind digital anonymity to execute such threats.
As this case continues to unfold, further updates will be provided regarding the legal status of co-defendant Radovanovic and Szabo’s forthcoming sentencing.
Focuses on crime, public safety, and regional events.
Bio: Marcus is a community-based journalist passionate about reporting impactful stories that matter most to readers.