US Seizes 13 Websites Allegedly Used by Chinese Intelligence to Recruit Americans

• FBI Shuts Down 13 Domains Accused of Targeting Americans for Intelligence Gathering
• Fake Consulting Firms Linked to Chinese Intelligence Taken Offline by US
• US Says Chinese Operatives Used Job Websites to Target Government Workers
• 13 Websites Seized in Alleged Chinese Espionage Operation Targeting Americans
• FBI Warns of Online Recruitment Tactics After Seizing China-Linked Domains
• US Cracks Down on Alleged Chinese Intelligence Network Using Fake Consulting Firms

The United States has seized 13 websites allegedly linked to a Chinese intelligence operation that officials say targeted current and former government employees, military personnel, and security clearance holders in an effort to obtain sensitive information.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the domains posed as legitimate consulting and recruitment firms, advertising analyst and consulting opportunities to attract individuals with access to classified or sensitive government information. Authorities claim the sites were part of a broader intelligence-gathering campaign connected to suspected Chinese operatives.

Federal investigators say the fake consulting companies approached potential targets through online job opportunities, offering paid work and consulting contracts. Once contact was established, individuals were allegedly pressured to provide insider information, government-related expertise, or other sensitive details that could be valuable to foreign intelligence services.

The FBI and Justice Department announced the takedown as part of an ongoing effort to counter foreign espionage operations targeting U.S. national security interests. Officials said the seized domains specifically sought out people with security clearances and access to non-public government information.

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said the action demonstrates the government’s commitment to disrupting attempts to exploit Americans entrusted with the nation’s most sensitive information. Authorities believe the websites were designed to appear professional and legitimate, making it difficult for targets to recognize the operation as a potential intelligence-gathering effort.

The announcement comes shortly after intelligence agencies from the Five Eyes alliance — comprising the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand — warned that China has been increasingly using online job platforms and professional networking opportunities to collect information from current and former government employees.

Chinese officials have rejected the allegations. A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington reportedly described the claims as fabricated and condemned the accusations as malicious slander.

Security experts say the case highlights a growing trend in modern espionage, where intelligence services increasingly use digital recruitment tactics rather than traditional spycraft. Fake consulting firms, professional networking outreach, and seemingly legitimate job offers have become common methods for identifying and cultivating potential intelligence sources online.

The latest takedown follows several recent U.S. actions targeting alleged China-linked cyber and intelligence operations, reflecting growing concerns over foreign efforts to obtain government, military, and critical infrastructure information.

As investigations continue, authorities are urging current and former government employees to carefully scrutinize unsolicited consulting offers, recruitment messages, and job opportunities that seek information related to their government service or security clearances.