FBI Seizes over a Dozen Websites It Says Were Used by Chinese Agents to Recruit US Officials
The FBI says the sites used fake consulting jobs, identity theft and AI-generated images to lure former and current officials with security clearances.
- Federal authorities seized over a dozen websites on Wednesday that officials say were used by suspected Chinese agents to recruit current and former American officials with security clearances.
- Conspirators used AI-generated photos and identity theft to appear legitimate, advertising generic consulting positions like "Defense Analyst" on platforms including LinkedIn to target recruits.
- Seven unnamed individuals were recruited; Dan Wierzbicki, special agent in charge of the FBI's Washington field office, noted targets reported "weird" cryptocurrency payments from overseas accounts.
- A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington called the allegations "entirely fabricated," while the English-speaking Five Eyes alliance warned China is targeting personnel across member nations.
- Analysis from Black Lotus Labs shows China-nexus APT actors operationalize reconnaissance shortly after vulnerability disclosures to target vulnerable infrastructure, with the United States military as a prominent target.
36 Articles
36 Articles
FBI seizes 13 websites allegedly used by China to target, recruit U.S. workers
The 13 websites purported to be affiliated with consulting companies that advertised job openings for current and former holders of security clearances. But the companies were all fakes and the job postings were a sham, officials said
DOJ Seizes 13 Domains in Alleged Chinese Spy Scheme
Federal authorities on Wednesday seized 13 internet domains that prosecutors say were part of a Chinese intelligence-linked scheme to recruit current and former U.S. government employees with access to classified and sensitive information. According to court documents, the operators created at least 13 fake consulting company websites beginning in November 2023 and used them to advertise jobs targeting current and former government workers, mil…
Washington Times
The New York LedgerFBI shutters covert Chinese websites targeting secrets
Federal authorities on Wednesday shut down 13 internet domains said to be used by China for operations to obtain classified and sensitive U.S. government information, the Justice Department said.
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