WASHINGTON, June 11 — The FBI has seized 13 websites allegedly connected to a Chinese-linked recruitment network accused of targeting current and former U.S. government employees with access to sensitive information, according to U.S. authorities.
The U.S. Department of Justice said the websites posed as consulting firms, professional recruiters, and research organizations, advertising job opportunities aimed at individuals with government, military, intelligence, and national security backgrounds. Officials allege the platforms were used to identify and recruit people with security clearances or access to sensitive information.
According to investigators, the websites sought to establish contact with qualified candidates through seemingly legitimate employment offers, raising concerns that foreign intelligence operatives could exploit such relationships to obtain non-public information.
The FBI seized the domains under court-authorized action as part of an ongoing counterintelligence investigation. U.S. officials said the operation highlights growing efforts by foreign actors to use online recruitment and professional networking channels to target government personnel.
The case comes amid broader tensions between the United States and China over cybersecurity, espionage allegations, technology competition, and national security concerns. American authorities have repeatedly warned about attempts to access sensitive government and defense-related information through covert or deceptive means.
Chinese authorities have consistently denied allegations of state-sponsored espionage and maintain that China opposes cybercrime and respects international law.
Investigations into the websites and their alleged operators remain ongoing, with officials emphasizing the importance of protecting national security and safeguarding sensitive information from foreign intelligence threats.
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