The US federal authorities have taken control of over ten internet sites which, according to officials, were used by alleged Chinese agents to recruit current and former US public officials holding security clearances.
According to official documents filed by the FBI, the network used these platforms as a front for “consulting companies” that were fictitious. Their purpose was to attract American citizens willing to provide sensitive or classified information in exchange for sums of money.
The websites promoted attractive job positions, such as “international business analyst (remote)”, “defense analyst” or “opportunities for former military personnel”.
Investigators have identified seven individuals who were recruited through this method. They were asked for reports and analyses on major geopolitical issues, such as the relations between the USA and China, the situation in Iran or the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, while coordinators exerted pressure to obtain confidential details from within governmental institutions.
AI-generated photographs and false identities
The FBI believes that the individuals managing this operation, located outside the United States, were acting in the interest of the Beijing government. However, the U.S. Department of Justice has stated that the platform administrators have denied any connection with any foreign governmental entity.
To cover their tracks, the network used cryptocurrencies and foreign bank accounts to finance the websites and to pay recruits on American territory. So far, it is not clear whether classified documents have been transmitted through this scheme.
Details, HERE