US Seizes 13 Domains Linked to Chinese Intelligence Recruitment Scheme
The FBI and Justice Department announced on June 10, 2026, the seizure of 13 internet domains linked to fake consulting companies allegedly operated by Chinese intelligence services to recruit current and former US government and military personnel with security clearances. The operation, which began as early as November 2023, used AI-generated photos, stolen identities, cryptocurrency payments, and job postings on platforms like LinkedIn and Upwork to pressure recruits into sharing sensitive or classified information. The action underscores escalating US-China tensions over espionage and follows a Five Eyes alliance warning issued the previous week about Chinese intelligence targeting Western government workers on professional networking sites.
Federal authorities seized 13 internet domains on June 10, 2026, that the Justice Department says were used by suspected Chinese intelligence operatives posing as legitimate consulting firms to recruit Americans holding security clearances. According to an FBI affidavit, the scheme began in November 2023 and used fake personas, AI-generated photographs, stolen identities, and job postings on platforms including LinkedIn, Upwork, Expertia AI, Hubstaff Talent, Wellfound, and Post Job Free to attract targets. Recruits were offered money — paid via cryptocurrency and overseas accounts — in exchange for 'exclusive' or 'insider' information, and were pressured through contracts and confidentiality agreements that gave the fake firms an air of legitimacy. FBI officials said the investigation was aided by targets who voluntarily came forward after finding the payment methods, such as cryptocurrency, suspicious. The seizure came one week after the Five Eyes intelligence alliance publicly warned that Chinese military intelligence was using professional networking sites to target government personnel across member countries. The Chinese Embassy in Washington denied the allegations, calling them 'entirely fabricated' and 'malicious slander.' FBI officials noted they believe additional similar websites remain active and are seeking public tips to identify them.
What's missing
It remains publicly unclear whether any of the recruited individuals actually disclosed classified information, or whether any criminal charges have been filed against specific named individuals.
How coverage differed
The Washington Times framed the story with stronger declarative language about Chinese government culpability and included extensive quotes from law enforcement emphasizing threat severity, while CNN and the South China Morning Post were more careful to note unresolved questions — such as whether any classified material was actually shared — and highlighted the broader diplomatic context of recent US-China summit talks.
What different sources said
- NDTVCenter
FBI Seizes 13 Websites Used By China To Target US Workers With Sensitive Information
- AP NewsCenter
FBI seizes 13 websites that officials say were used by China to target and recruit US workers
- The HinduCenter
FBI seizes 13 websites allegedly used by China to target, recruit U.S. workers
- ReutersCenter
US seizes 13 website domains tied to alleged Chinese intelligence collection
- Times of IndiaCenter
FBI shuts 13 websites that operated as consulting companies offering fake jobs: Full list
- The Straits TimesCenter
US seizes 13 website domains tied to alleged Chinese intelligence collection
- South China Morning PostCenter
FBI disables 13 Chinese suspected spying websites targeting US officials
- Washington TimesRight
FBI shutters covert Chinese websites targeting secrets
Justice Department, FBI Disable 13 Websites Backed by Suspected Chinese Agents That Sought Sensitive U.S. Information from Security Clearance Holders
- CNN WorldCenter
FBI seizes over a dozen websites it says were used by Chinese agents to recruit US officials
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