US charges Chinese hackers aimed at state dissidents

The US prosecutor’s office has accused 12 Chinese citizens of participating in a hacking scheme that sold dissidents in the United States.

The operation “funded by the state” is also aimed at the state bodies, including the Treasury, the Ministry of Justice (DOJ) reports.

Hackers also allegedly sent to the American religious organization and the newspaper in Hong Kong, the statement added.

China did not respond to these specific accusations, but has strongly denied other charges.

In December the Ministry of Finance reported about the “main” violation According to Chinese hackers supported by the Chinese, saying they were able to access the work staff of employees and some unclaimed documents.

At the time, China denied any participation, calling the accusation “groundless” and saying that “consistently opposed all forms of hacking”.

It is unclear when the latest charges of Doj were issued – but they were unfinished in the federal court on Manhattan on Wednesday.

Two employees of the Chinese Ministry of Security were among the accused.

Doj said the hackers that appeared to have been represented by a private company, I-Soon, accused Chinese agencies from $ 10,000 to $ 75,000 for each mailbox “exploit.”

They allegedly “conducted computer invasions” under the guidance of Chinese ministries and on their own initiative, and “paid beautifully for stolen data”.

“Today, we are exposing Chinese government agents that manage and contribute to the proceedings and reckless attacks on computers and networks around the world,” Sue J. said. Bai, headed by the DOJ National Security Department.

“We will continue to fight to dismantle this cyber ecosystem and protect our national security,” she added.

More about the target dissidents based in the US were not presented.

The religious organization affected by the hackers was described as the one that “previously sent missionaries to China and was openly critical of the People’s Republic of China.” China is short for the People’s Republic of China.

Hong Kong newspaper was also on the list. Although he was not named, the statement said she was “considered against the PRC government.”

In addition to US agencies, hackers aimed at Taiwan, India, South Korea and Indonesia.

Last October, FBI and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure said Haki aimed at two major US presidential campaigns were held by “actors related to the People’s Republic of China”.

Early last year, Seven Chinese citizens have been charged After a hacking operation, which lasted at least 14 years and sent foreign critics of China.

Western governments in China are also aimed at the UK election commission, as well as the UK and New Zealand.

As part of its long-term award, the US State Department said it offers up to $ 10 million for I-Soon information, its employees and Chinese officials “were engaged in malicious cyber activity nominated by the Ministry of Justice.”