The FBI has dismantled a network of 13 websites that China allegedly operated to covertly recruit US government and military personnel. The Justice Department seized these domains after obtaining court warrants, aiming to disrupt a state-sponsored effort to solicit classified and sensitive information.
These sites masqueraded as legitimate consultancy firms and even a nonprofit organization, all designed to conceal their ties to a foreign state. Federal investigators revealed that the scheme targeted current and former officials, enticing them with paid consulting jobs that would ultimately siphon critical intelligence for China’s benefit.
Registered between late 2023 and late 2025, the domains bore names such as Centrik Global Consulting, Pulse Wave Global, and the Gulf Peace Foundation, lending an air of credibility to their recruitment efforts. The FBI’s affidavit details that China’s intelligence operatives used these sites to post generic job offers while relying on stolen or fraudulent identities, AI-generated photographs, and stock consulting language to maintain their cover.
The investigation identified two main overseas suspects, labeled Subject A and Subject B, who operated the sites. Subject A, previously residing in South Africa, reportedly recruited multiple US government employees over several months, asking for reports on issues related to China. Subject B is believed to be from a Caribbean nation with ties to China, further underscoring the international scope of the operation.
Evidence also linked the operation to China through IP addresses connected to recruitment profiles on LinkedIn and Gmail accounts associated with the scheme. Payments for domain registrations came from various countries, including China, Hong Kong, Macau, South Africa, and the United Kingdom, illustrating a coordinated transnational effort.
While the seizure of these 13 domains disrupts this particular network, authorities warn the threat persists as new websites can easily be created. The Justice Department has issued a call for vigilance among US government workers and military personnel, emphasizing caution when responding to suspicious job offers, especially those promising easy money in exchange for sensitive information.