US Charges Chinese Hackers Who Targeted Dissidents
Twelve Chinese nationals have been charged by US prosecutors in connection with a hacking operation that allegedly targeted dissidents and sold sensitive data to Chinese government agencies. The Justice Department (DOJ) claims that the hacking group, described as 'state-sponsored,' also infiltrated US government systems, including the Treasury Department, and attacked religious organizations and media outlets.
The DOJ alleges that the hackers, acting either on behalf of the Chinese government or independently, gained access to a variety of sensitive information. The hacking operation reportedly targeted a religious organization critical of China, as well as a Hong Kong-based newspaper that has opposed the Chinese government.
While China has not directly responded to these specific charges, the country has consistently denied involvement in past cyberattacks. In the past, China has called similar allegations 'baseless,' asserting that it opposes all forms of cyberattacks.
This new series of charges comes on the heels of a December breach reported by the Treasury Department, which revealed that hackers linked to China had accessed unclassified documents and employee workstations. At the time, Chinese authorities denied involvement, reaffirming their position against cyber intrusions.
The DOJ's latest charges, which were unsealed on Wednesday in a federal court in Manhattan, include two individuals reportedly affiliated with China's Ministry of Public Security. The hackers, according to the DOJ, were allegedly connected to a private company called i-Soon, which received payments ranging from $10,000 to $75,000 per compromised email account. The DOJ claims these hackers carried out their intrusions both under the direction of Chinese authorities and independently, profiting from stolen data.
'Today, we are exposing individuals who have facilitated widespread and reckless cyberattacks against governments, organizations, and individuals globally,' said Sue J Bai, head of the DOJ's National Security Division. 'We remain committed to dismantling these cyber operations to safeguard our national security.'
Details regarding the specific US-based dissidents targeted by the alleged hackers have not been disclosed. However, the DOJ did note that the religious organization involved had a history of criticizing the Chinese government. The Hong Kong newspaper, while not named, was similarly described as critical of China.
In addition to US government targets, the alleged hackers are said to have targeted foreign ministries in Taiwan, India, South Korea, and Indonesia, indicating the global reach of their operations.
This latest case is part of a broader trend of cyber espionage linked to China. Previous operations attributed to Chinese state-backed hackers have included attacks on US presidential campaigns, the UK's Electoral Commission, and the parliaments of the UK and New Zealand. Last year, seven Chinese nationals were charged for running a hacking operation that lasted over 14 years, targeting foreign critics of China.
The growing focus on cyber operations underscores the increasing international concerns over cyber threats and their potential to disrupt national security and digital infrastructure across the globe.
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