Posted on 02/06/2017 6:31:39 PM PST by markomalley
Three brothers who managed office information technology for members of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and other lawmakers were abruptly relieved of their duties on suspicion that they accessed congressional computers without permission.
Brothers Abid, Imran, and Jamal Awan were barred from computer networks at the House of Representatives Thursday, The Daily Caller News Foundation Investigative Group has learned.
Three members of the intelligence panel and five members of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs were among the dozens of members who employed the suspects on a shared basis. The two committees deal with many of the nations most sensitive issues and documents, including those related to the war on terrorism.
Also among those whose computer systems may have been compromised is Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, the Florida Democrat who was previously the target of a disastrous email hack when she served as chairman of the Democratic National Committee during the 2016 campaign.
The brothers are suspected of serious violations, including accessing members computer networks without their knowledge and stealing equipment from Congress.
Jamal handled IT for Rep. Joaquin Castro, a Texas Democrat who serves on both the intelligence and foreign affairs panels.
As of 2/2, his employment with our office has been terminated, Castro spokeswoman Erin Hatch told TheDCNF Friday.
Jamal also worked for Louisiana Democrat Rep. Cedric Richmond, who is on the Committee on Homeland Security.
Imran worked for Reps. Andre Carson, an Indiana Democrat, and Jackie Speier, a California Democrat. Both are members of the intelligence committee, and their spokesmen did not respond to TheDCNFs requests for comment. Imran also worked for the House office of Wasserman Schultz.
Then-Rep. Tammy Duckworth, an Illinois Democrat, employed Abid for IT work in 2016. She was a member of House committees dealing with the armed services, oversight, and Benghazi. Duckworth was elected to the Senate in November, 2016. Abid has a prior criminal record and a bankruptcy.
Abid also worked for Rep. Lois Frankel, a Florida Democrat who is member of the foreign affairs committee.
The three men are shared employees, meaning they are hired by multiple offices, which split their salaries and use them as needed for IT services. It is up to each member to fire them.
A criminal investigation into five unnamed people began late last year related to serious and potentially illegal violations of House IT policies, Politico reported Thursday. Chiefs of staff for the members were briefed Thursday by the Sergeant-at-Arms.
Capitol Police spokeswoman Eva Malecki said the investigation was still ongoing, and arrests have not been made but staff were asked to update their security settings.
Buzzfeed reported that the Sergeant-at-Arms told staff that the subjects were four men who were brothers and one woman. It did not name them. It quoted one of the affected members as saying they said it was some sort of procurement scam, but now Im concerned that they may have stolen data from us, emails, who knows.
Jamal did not return a request for comment from TheDCNF at a personal email address, while emails to House addresses in the three mens names bounced back Friday.
Abid, Imran and Jamal have all shared a house in Lorton, Virginia, that is owned by Hina R. Alvi. Alvi is a female House IT employee who works for many of the same members as the three brothers, as well as the House Democratic Caucus.
Signs of trouble have long been visible in public records. The Congressional Credit Union repossessed Abids car in 2009, and he declared bankruptcy in 2012, facing multiple lawsuits.
Alvi, who did not respond to TheDCNFs request for comment, has taken multiple second mortgages.
Jamal, who public records suggest is only 22 years old and first began working in the House when he was 20, was paid nearly $160,000 a year, or three times the average House IT staff salary, according to InsideGov, which tracks congressional salaries. Abid was paid $161,000 and Imran $165,000.
Jack Langer, spokesman for the intelligence committee, said the committee office has its own IT staff and security measures and classified information from the panel is not allowed to be sent to members personal offices.
Why isnt this the lead story on ANY major news outlet in the country?
test
We’re in the very best of hands.
OK, clue me in please. What about USAA Health Insurance?
Just that they have health insurance...Another poster thought they didn’t....
Enemy within! I cannot believe how stupid we allowed ourselves to be before and after 9/11!!! Madness!
I know they write Medicare Supplement insurance.
OK, thanks.
Well, since Google’s complaining Trump’s ban keeps out IT people, they shouldn’t be hiring potential radical Islamic terrorists without extreme vetting.
I like the keyword ITgate.
These idiots got paid $160K +???
Wow...
House intelligence, LOL, Jumbo shrimp.
So the “intelligence” committee hires 3 foreign moozlums to work their IT system. That’s some real “intelligence” by our “leaders”. Complete incompetents and morons. Was this intentional?
So the “intelligence” committee hires 3 foreign moozlums to work their IT system. That’s some real “intelligence” by our “leaders”. Complete incompetents and morons. Was this intentional?
why are thee people in spintcom?
Amen
I think democrap committee MEMBERS were those that hired the coven members, not the majority.
Three young guys, all making 160k at age 22 +/- all living with an older muslim woman IT consultant to the Dems. Three-Quarters of a million a year going into that house she runs.
I think democrap committee MEMBERS were those that hired the coven members, not the majority.
Three young guys, all making 160k at age 22 +/- all living with an older muslim woman IT consultant to the Dems. Three-Quarters of a million a year going into that house she runs.
Wow, this is ludicrous.
Times have really changed and I don't think some of those that have been up there a while have any idea how much.
As a matter of fact I wonder if they have a system of regular checks and sweeps?
Hope they are jailed currently.
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