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DOJ Charges Seven Chinese Hackers for Targeting US Businesses and Politicians
The Department of Justice Office of Public Affairs has recently made public charges against seven hackers associated with the Chinese Communist Government. The indictment accuses these individuals of targeting perceived critics of China, as well as U.S. businesses and politicians. The victims of these cyberattacks included politicians from both major parties and critics of the Chinese Communist regime, although the specific names of the politicians were not disclosed in the DOJ report.
Details of the Indictment
According to the unsealed indictment, the seven Chinese nationals are charged with conspiracy to commit computer intrusions and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. They are alleged to be part of a PRC-based hacking group that has been active for approximately 14 years. Their targets reportedly included U.S. and foreign critics, businesses, and political officials, all in service of the PRC’s economic espionage and foreign intelligence objectives.
The defendants named in the indictment are Ni Gaobin, Weng Ming, Cheng Feng, Peng Yaowen, Sun Xiaohui, Xiong Wang, and Zhao Guangzong. All of them are believed to reside in the People’s Republic of China.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland condemned the actions of the Chinese government, stating, “The Justice Department will not tolerate efforts by the Chinese government to intimidate Americans who serve the public, silence dissidents protected by American laws, or steal from American businesses.”
Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco highlighted the scope of the hacking operation, which involved over 10,000 malicious emails and impacted thousands of victims across multiple continents. She emphasized the government’s commitment to holding cyber criminals accountable for their actions.
FBI Director Christopher Wray echoed these sentiments, denouncing China’s ongoing efforts to undermine U.S. cybersecurity and target American citizens and innovation. He reaffirmed the FBI’s dedication to combating cyber espionage and protecting the nation’s security and prosperity.
The indictment sheds light on China’s aggressive cyber activities and their attempts to undermine democracies and steal valuable intellectual property. The charges brought against these hackers serve as a stark warning that such actions will not be tolerated, and that the U.S. government is committed to defending against cyber threats and safeguarding its citizens, businesses, and critical infrastructure from malicious actors in cyberspace.
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