Romanian Man Sentenced for Swatting and Bomb Threats

A Romanian individual, Thomas Szabo, was sentenced to four years in prison for his involvement in numerous swatting calls and bomb threats aimed at U.S. government officials, including members of Congress and high-ranking officials. Szabo, 27, had pleaded guilty in June to conspiracy and intimidation charges.

Federal prosecutors had suggested a five-year sentence, while U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson handled the case in Washington, D.C. Szabo, also known by online aliases “Plank,” “Jonah,” and “Cypher,” admitted guilt to charges involving conspiracy and threats to use explosive devices.

U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Jeanine Pirro, emphasized that such attacks against institutions and individuals serving the country would not be tolerated. Szabo was extradited from Romania to face trial in the U.S. and is now facing the repercussions of his actions.

Swatting, which involves making false threats to provoke a law enforcement response, has increasingly become a dangerous form of harassment that can compromise public safety. Capitol Police Chief Michael Sullivan remarked that swatting is not merely a nuisance but poses significant risks. He expressed pride in the efforts of investigators, prosecutors, and law enforcement partners in securing justice, highlighting a commitment to tracking down threats globally.

According to court reports, Szabo began an online chat server in Romania in 2018 dedicated to “trolling.” It was around 2020 that he initiated a swatting operation, collaborating with another individual, Nemanja Radovanovic from Serbia.

In December 2023, Szabo directed his associates to target individuals from both the Democratic and Republican parties. Together, they allegedly focused on at least 25 members of Congress, their families, and additional state and federal employees. Prosecutors noted that repeated false emergencies diverted police and first responders from actual crises, wasting vital resources.

Szabo’s collaborators claimed they had executed over 25 swatting attempts and wasted substantial taxpayer money in their actions. After being extradited from Romania in November 2024, Szabo now awaits the full extent of his sentence.

Meanwhile, Alan Filion, who was 18 at his sentencing in February 2025, also admitted to making roughly 375 swatting calls between August 2022 and January 2024, resulting in a four-year prison term. As for Radovanovic, his case is still ongoing.