Chinese Hackers Charged for Targeting US Politicians, Businesses: DOJ

Seven Chinese nationals have been charged with "conspiracy to commit computer intrusions and conspiracy to commit wire fraud" for supposed cyberattacks against US politicians and businesses, according to the Department of Justice.

According to the department, the hackers deployed "over 10,000 malicious emails" across multiple continents for about 14 years of state-sponsored operations in "furtherance of the PRC's economic espionage and foreign intelligence objectives."

All suspects are reported to be currently residing in China.

Hackers Pose as Cybersecurity Group to Spy on US Officials

The hackers supposedly were able to infiltrate institutions and government networks by posing as a cybersecurity group from Wuhan. The group allegedly works under China's Ministry of State Security.

Among the victims of the hacking group include officials from the White House, the Departments of Justice, Commerce, Treasury, and State.

Authorities from both parties in the US Senate and House of Representatives also reported falling victim to the espionage attacks.

The DOJ has already filed a complaint on the seven Chinese nationals in the Easter district court of New York.

US Gov't Ramps Up Spying Allegations Vs China

The case against the supposed Chinese government-backed hackers follows the growing trend of the US government accusing the Asian country of spying on the West.

Several Federal officials, primarily the Federal Bureau of Investigation, have proposed further restrictions against China amid accusations over the past cyberattacks on US critical facilities.

The accusations have even breached into social media as Congress pushes for a bill that will effectively ban China-based ByteDance and all of its apps, including TikTok, in the US.

Among the reasons given for the proposal was China supposedly collecting US users' data and possibly influencing American voters' perception of the US government.

TikTok clarified that all US users' data and algorithms is stored within servers provided by Texas-based Oracle Corp.