US seizes 13 websites in Chinese intelligence operation targeting security-clearance holders
The FBI and DOJ seized 13 websites allegedly operated by Chinese intelligence to recruit current and former US officials and military personnel with security clearances. The sites, disguised as consulting firms, used AI-generated photos, stolen identities, encrypted messaging, and cryptocurrency payments. Active since November 2023, the scheme sought sensitive information. The takedown is part of broader US counterintelligence efforts, heightened by recent federal layoffs creating new recruitment opportunities. China denied the allegations.
Cross-source coverage
Wire timeline
DOJ shuts alleged China-linked operation targeting current and former US officials
The US Department of Justice and FBI seized 13 websites allegedly operated by Chinese intelligence operatives to target current and former US officials and military personnel with security clearances. The sites posed as legitimate consulting firms such as Centrik Global Consulting and Rightinfo Consulting, advertising well-paid research positions on job platforms. Operators used aliases, stolen identities, AI-generated photos, encrypted messaging apps, and cryptocurrency to conceal their activities. The campaign, active since November 2023, sought to entice Americans to produce reports or share insider information on topics of interest to China. The takedown is part of broader US efforts to disrupt foreign intelligence schemes exploiting online recruiting and financial incentives. The article notes that recent federal layoffs have created renewed collection opportunities for foreign intelligence services.
Government Executive - All ContentDOJ shuts down alleged China-linked operation targeting US officials with security clearances
The US Justice Department and FBI seized 13 websites allegedly operated by Chinese intelligence operatives to target current and former US officials and military personnel with access to classified information. The sites posed as legitimate consulting firms, advertising well-paid research roles to security clearance holders. The campaign, active since November 2023, used fake personas, stolen identities, AI-generated photos, encrypted messaging apps, and cryptocurrency payments. Seized domains included names like Centrik Global Consulting and Rightinfo Consulting. The takedown is part of broader US efforts to disrupt foreign intelligence schemes exploiting online recruiting and financial incentives. The article notes that recent federal layoffs have created renewed collection opportunities for foreign intelligence services.
Government Executive - All ContentDOJ shuts down alleged China-linked operation targeting US officials with security clearances
The US Department of Justice and FBI seized 13 websites allegedly operated by Chinese intelligence operatives to target current and former US officials and military personnel with access to classified information. The sites posed as legitimate consulting firms such as Centrik Global Consulting and Rightinfo Consulting, advertising well-paid research roles for security clearance holders. The operation, active since November 2023, used fake personas, stolen identities, AI-generated photos, encrypted messaging apps, and cryptocurrency payments to recruit Americans. The takedown is part of broader US efforts to disrupt foreign intelligence schemes exploiting online recruiting and financial incentives. The article notes that recent federal layoffs have created renewed opportunities for foreign intelligence services to target displaced government employees and contractors.
Government Executive - All ContentFBI seizes 13 websites allegedly used by China to target US security clearance holders
The FBI has seized 13 websites that the US Justice Department alleges were part of a Chinese intelligence operation to recruit American workers with access to classified or sensitive government information. The websites posed as legitimate consulting firms advertising jobs for current and former security clearance holders, but were entirely fake. According to an FBI affidavit, the sites used stolen identities and AI-generated photos to appear legitimate, and advertised on platforms like LinkedIn. Recruits were offered cryptocurrency payments for sensitive information. The seizure is part of broader Western efforts, including a recent Five Eyes alliance bulletin warning about Chinese targeting of personnel. A Chinese embassy spokesperson called the allegations 'entirely fabricated' and 'malicious slander.'
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.US seizes 13 websites used by Chinese operatives to target security-clearance holders
The FBI and Justice Department seized 13 websites allegedly operated by Chinese intelligence operatives to target current and former US officials and military personnel with security clearances. The sites were disguised as legitimate consulting firms such as Centrik Global Consulting and Rightinfo Consulting, advertising well-paid roles for 'Senior Analyst' and 'International Affairs Consultant' on job platforms. The scheme, active since November 2023, used aliases, stolen identities, AI-generated photos, encrypted messaging apps like Telegram, and cryptocurrency payments. The DOJ stated the campaign aimed to entice Americans to produce research reports or share insider information on topics of interest to China. The takedown is part of broader US efforts to disrupt foreign intelligence recruitment, especially amid federal layoffs that have pushed thousands of cleared personnel into an uncertain job market. The Army's deputy chief of intelligence had previously issued a rare public warning about such targeting.
Defense One - All ContentUS seizes 13 websites used by Chinese operatives to target security-clearance holders
The FBI and Justice Department seized 13 websites allegedly operated by Chinese intelligence operatives to target current and former U.S. officials and military personnel with security clearances. The sites were disguised as legitimate consulting firms such as Centrik Global Consulting and Rightinfo Consulting, advertising well-paid roles for 'Senior Analyst' and 'International Affairs Consultant.' The campaign, active since November 2023, used fake personas, stolen identities, AI-generated photos, encrypted messaging apps like Telegram, and cryptocurrency payments to recruit Americans to produce research reports or share sensitive government information. The takedown is part of broader U.S. efforts to disrupt foreign intelligence schemes exploiting online recruiting and financial incentives. The article notes that recent federal layoffs have created renewed collection opportunities for foreign intelligence services, and that the Army's deputy chief of staff for intelligence issued a rare public warning about such targeting.
Defense One - All ContentUS seizes 13 websites used by Chinese intelligence to target security clearance holders
The FBI and Justice Department seized 13 websites allegedly operated by Chinese intelligence operatives to target current and former U.S. officials and military personnel with security clearances. The domains were disguised as legitimate consulting firms such as Centrik Global Consulting and Rightinfo Consulting, advertising well-paid roles for 'Senior Analyst' and 'International Affairs Consultant' positions. The scheme, active since November 2023, used fake personas, stolen identities, AI-generated photographs, encrypted messaging apps like Telegram, and cryptocurrency payments to entice Americans into sharing sensitive government information. The takedown is part of broader U.S. efforts to disrupt foreign intelligence recruitment, especially amid federal layoffs that have pushed thousands of government employees into an uncertain job market, creating renewed collection opportunities for foreign intelligence services.
Defense One - All Content