Seven nationals of the People's Republic of China (PRC) face charges for a long-term cyber espionage campaign targeting political dissidents and officials in the US, marking a significant escalation in international cyber warfare.

PRC Nationals Indicted for Long-Term Cyber Espionage Campaign Targeting US and Foreign Entities

An indictment unsealed today charges seven nationals of the People's Republic of China (PRC) with conspiracy to commit computer intrusions and wire fraud. The defendants, members of a PRC-based hacking group, targeted U.S. and foreign critics, businesses, and political officials for approximately 14 years to advance the PRC's economic espionage and foreign intelligence objectives, The Verge reported.

The defendants identified are Ni Gaobin, Weng Ming, Cheng Feng, Peng Yaowen, Sun Xiaohui, Xiong Wang, and Zhao Guangzong. Announcing the indictment were Merrick B. Garland, US Attorney General; Breon Peace, US Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Lisa O. Monaco, US Deputy Attorney General; Matthew G. Olsen, Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department's National Security Division; James Smith, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI); and Robert W. "Wes" Wheeler, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the FBI's Chicago Field Office.

"The Justice Department will not tolerate efforts by the Chinese government to intimidate Americans, silence dissidents, or steal from American businesses," said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. "This case reminds us of the lengths to which the Chinese government will go to target and intimidate its critics, including launching malicious cyber operations to threaten the national security of the United States and our allies.”

“These allegations reveal China’s extensive illegal hacking operation, targeting sensitive data from US officials, journalists, and academics; valuable information from American companies; and political dissidents in America and abroad," stated U.S. Attorney Peace. "Today's charges demonstrate my Office's commitment to upholding and protecting America's sovereignty in cyberspace."

Massive Global Hacking Operation Linked to PRC Government Targets Journalists, Officials, and Businesses

Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco said that over 10,000 malicious emails affected thousands of victims on multiple continents. As alleged in today's indictment, this massive global hacking operation, backed by the PRC government, targeted journalists, political officials, and businesses in order to silence critics of the Chinese regime, undermine government institutions, and steal trade secrets.

Moreover, Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division noted that today's announcements highlight the importance of remaining vigilant against cybersecurity threats and the potential for cyber-enabled foreign malign influence operations, particularly as we approach the 2024 election cycle.

Assistant Director-in-Charge Smith also emphasized that these charges are yet another example of the PRC's hostile actions, which target not only American businesses and infrastructure but also the country's security. Special Agent-in-Charge Robert W. “Wes” Wheeler, Jr. Stated that the FBI Chicago worked tirelessly to expose this complex web of alleged foreign intelligence and economic espionage crimes.

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