US seizes 13 domains linked to alleged Chinese intelligence recruitment

Federal authorities have dismantled a network of alleged Chinese intelligence operations by seizing 13 internet domains. The Justice Department stated these domains were used by fake consulting firms to recruit current or former U.S. government and military employees.

These firms targeted individuals through job listings, pressuring applicants for exclusive or insider information. The announcement follows a joint warning from the United States, Britain, and other Five Eyes intelligence allies about China's increasing use of job platforms for information gathering.

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro emphasized that the seizures send a clear message: "any attempts to exploit Americans trusted with access to our nation's most sensitive information will be exposed and dismantled." This action echoes past concerns, including a Reuters report from March 2025 detailing similar fake consulting firms targeting recently terminated federal employees. The FBI has previously highlighted such tactics, notably dramatizing the case of former CIA officer Kevin Mallory, who was convicted of transmitting U.S. defense secrets to China.

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Wednesday's seizures send a clear message that any attempts to exploit Americans trusted with access to our nation's most sensitive information will be exposed and dismantled.