Romanian Man Is Sentenced in 2023 Wave of ‘Swatting’ Calls
Thomasz Szabdo, a 27-year-old Romanian man, was sentenced for his role in a 2023 wave of 'swatting' calls targeting politicians, election officials, and others. He had pleaded guilty to participating in a campaign that generated over 150 false reports of violent crimes. Prosecutors said Szabdo and his followers coordinated to mass-produce these hoax calls, prompting emergency responses across multiple jurisdictions.
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#masthead-section-label, #masthead-bar-one { display: none }Trump AdministrationliveUpdatesApril 30, 2026, 9:36 a.m. ETGas PricesHegseth’s TestimonyJerome PowellNew Comey IndictmentApproval RatingAdvertisementSKIP ADVERTISEMENTSupported bySKIP ADVERTISEMENTRomanian Man Is Sentenced in 2023 Wave of ‘Swatting’ CallsThomasz Szabdo, 27, had pleaded guilty in connection with dozens of reports of false crimes involving politicians, election officials and others.Listen · 4:11 min Share full articleMr. Szabdo and his followers mass-produced “swatting” calls to make more than 150 false reports of violent crime, prosecutors say.Credit...Dakota Santiago for The New York TimesBy Ali WatkinsApril 30, 2026, 9:26 a.m.
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