Two European men have been charged with orchestrating a four-year "swatting" campaign that targeted dozens of high-profile U.S. officials, including members of Congress, Cabinet-level executives, and federal law enforcement officers. The Department of Justice unveiled the indictment on August 28, 2024, marking a significant move against a dangerous trend that has plagued American officials in recent years.
Thomasz Szabo, 26, of Romania, and Nemanja Radovanovic, 21, of Serbia, are accused of executing a sophisticated operation that involved placing false emergency calls, often reporting severe crimes like hostage situations, to trigger armed police responses to the homes and offices of their targets. This practice, known as swatting, has been a growing concern as it not only endangers lives but also drains critical law enforcement resources.
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The indictment outlines how the conspiracy, which began in December 2020, targeted 61 public officials and 40 private citizens. Among those targeted were members of both the House and Senate, high-ranking officials within the executive branch, and even prominent figures in state governments. The swatting incidents were not limited to government officials; the perpetrators also allegedly made bomb threats against businesses, religious institutions, and a university, underscoring the widespread nature of the conspiracy.
Federal prosecutors emphasized that Szabo and Radovanovic did not act alone. They were allegedly part of an online community that shared personal information about their victims, including home addresses, and coordinated the swatting attacks through encrypted communications. Szabo is believed to have played a leading role, moderating chat groups under various pseudonyms such as "Jonah Goldberg" and "War Lord," while Radovanovic used handles like "XBD31" and "Thuggin."
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The impact of these swatting incidents on public officials has been profound. Last year, Rep. Brandon Williams (R-N.Y.) was swatted on Christmas Day, and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) reported multiple swatting attempts at her home, even as her children were present. These incidents have highlighted the personal risks faced by lawmakers, especially as political tensions rise in the United States.
In response to the charges, U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves stated, "Swatting is not a victimless prank—it endangers real people, wastes precious police resources, and inflicts significant emotional trauma." He also vowed to use every tool at the government's disposal to hold the perpetrators accountable, regardless of their location.
The investigation leading to these charges was a collaborative effort involving multiple agencies, including the U.S. Secret Service, the FBI, and U.S. Capitol Police. International cooperation also played a crucial role, with assistance provided by field offices in Romania and several U.S. states.
Both Szabo and Radovanovic are now facing 34 felony counts, including conspiracy, threats, and transmitting threats across state and international borders. If convicted, they could face significant prison time, reflecting the severity of their actions and the government's commitment to cracking down on such dangerous criminal behavior.
