U.S. authorities have seized 13 internet domains that officials say were used in an effort to recruit current and former government employees, military personnel, and security clearance holders on behalf of suspected Chinese intelligence operations.
The domains posed as legitimate consulting and recruiting firms offering analyst and consulting positions to individuals with experience in government, defense, foreign policy, and national security, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Federal authorities said the websites were designed to identify and engage people with access to sensitive or classified information.
According to prosecutors, applicants were initially approached through job advertisements for positions such as senior analyst and international affairs consultant. After expressing interest, some targets were allegedly encouraged to provide information that could be valuable to foreign intelligence services. Authorities said the sites specifically targeted current and former U.S. government employees and others holding security clearances.
The Justice Department and FBI announced the seizures on June 10, saying the operation was intended to disrupt what officials described as an ongoing effort to obtain sensitive U.S. government information through deceptive recruitment tactics. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said the seizures were aimed at stopping attempts to exploit Americans trusted with access to sensitive information.
Federal investigators allege the domains were connected to a network of fake consulting companies that appeared legitimate but were created to identify and cultivate potential intelligence sources. Authorities have not publicly identified any individuals who may have been recruited through the websites.
The action follows a recent warning issued by the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, whose members include the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The alliance warned that Chinese intelligence services are increasingly using online job platforms and professional networking opportunities to approach people with access to government information and sensitive research.
China rejected the allegations. A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington described claims of a Chinese espionage threat as fabricated and condemned the accusations.
U.S. officials said the seized domains can no longer be used as part of the alleged recruitment operation. Investigators continue to examine the network and determine whether additional websites or related infrastructure were involved.