Federal authorities have seized 13 internet domains linked to what the U.S. Justice Department described as a covert recruitment network designed to gather sensitive information from current and former American government and military personnel.
According to officials, the websites were operated by fake consulting firms that advertised analyst and consulting positions to attract individuals with access to government or defense-related information.
Fake Job Offers Used to Target Officials
The Justice Department said the firms posed as legitimate businesses and contacted potential recruits through online job listings and professional networking platforms. Once individuals expressed interest, they were allegedly pressured to provide non-public or insider information under the guise of research assignments.
Officials warned that the tactic represents a growing trend in foreign intelligence operations, where job opportunities are used as a cover to identify and recruit individuals with access to sensitive information.
“Today’s seizures send a clear message that any attempts to exploit Americans trusted with access to our nation’s most sensitive information will be exposed and dismantled,” said U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro for the District of Columbia.
Growing Concerns Over Chinese Recruitment Efforts
The action comes just a week after the United States, Britain and other members of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance issued a joint warning about China’s increasing use of online recruitment platforms to target government employees, military personnel and security-cleared individuals.
Intelligence agencies have raised concerns that such operations seek to collect valuable information through seemingly harmless consulting arrangements before developing deeper intelligence relationships.
Beijing Rejects Allegations
China strongly denied the accusations.
A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington said claims of a Chinese espionage threat were “entirely fabricated” and amounted to malicious slander.
The embassy also accused the United States of using national security concerns to unfairly target China.
Similar Cases in the Past
The allegations are not new. In 2025, reports emerged of a similar network of fake consulting companies attempting to recruit recently dismissed U.S. federal employees during government downsizing efforts.
Security experts have repeatedly warned that foreign intelligence services are increasingly using digital platforms and remote consulting opportunities to identify potential sources.
Lessons from Earlier Espionage Cases
The FBI and the National Counterintelligence and Security Center have previously highlighted the risks of what they call “virtual espionage.”
One of the most prominent examples is the case of former CIA officer Kevin Mallory, who was sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2019 after being convicted of conspiring to provide U.S. defense secrets to China.
According to court records, Mallory was initially approached through what appeared to be a foreign policy consulting opportunity on social media. His case has since been used by U.S. authorities as a warning about the dangers of online recruitment schemes.
Investigation Continues
Officials did not identify the individuals behind the seized domains but said investigations remain ongoing. U.S. authorities have urged current and former government employees to exercise caution when approached for consulting work involving sensitive topics, particularly by unfamiliar organizations offering unusually attractive opportunities.
(with inputs from Reuters)
