The Department of Justice has unsealed charges against twelve Chinese nationals accused of espionage through hacking, targeting US dissidents and government entities. The operation is described as state-sponsored, with ties to China's Ministry of Public Security.
Twelve Charged in US Over Alleged Chinese Hacking Scheme Targeting Dissidents
Twelve Charged in US Over Alleged Chinese Hacking Scheme Targeting Dissidents
Federal prosecutors unveil charges against Chinese nationals linked to hacking operations aimed at US dissidents and government agencies.
US prosecutors have brought charges against twelve Chinese nationals involved in an alleged hacking scheme aimed at selling sensitive data from US-based dissidents to the Chinese government. This "state-sponsored" cyber operation reportedly targeted government agencies, including the Department of the Treasury, according to a statement from the Justice Department (DOJ).
In addition to government targets, the hackers also allegedly infiltrated an American religious organization known for its criticism of the People's Republic of China (PRC), as well as a pro-democracy newspaper based in Hong Kong. China has not yet responded to these latest allegations, although it has previously denied accusations regarding cyber activities, often calling them "baseless." The claims emerged after the Treasury Department's report of a "major" data breach attributed to Chinese-affiliated hackers in December.
The recent charges were made public in a federal court in Manhattan, where officials revealed that among those charged are two officials from China's Ministry of Public Security. According to the DOJ, these hackers, believed to operate under the company i-Soon, charged Chinese governmental bodies between $10,000 and $75,000 for each compromised email account. They were accused of executing computer intrusions both under government orders and independently, allegedly profiting significantly from the stolen information.
"Today, we are exposing the Chinese government agents directing and fostering indiscriminate and reckless attacks against computers and networks worldwide," commented Sue J Bai, head of the DOJ's National Security Division. "We will continue to fight to dismantle this ecosystem of cyber mercenaries and protect our national security," she added.
Details on the specific US dissidents who were targeted remain undisclosed. The religious organization attacked is described as one that has previously sent missionaries to China and publicly criticized the PRC government. Additionally, the hackers are said to have compromised the foreign ministries of Taiwan, India, South Korea, and Indonesia.
Past allegations of hacking by actors affiliated with China include disruptions to US presidential campaigns and breaches involving the UK's Electoral Commission and its parliamentary structures, highlighting an ongoing pattern of cyber threats linked to state-sponsored entities in China.
