FBI seizes 13 domains used by alleged Chinese spies

Federal authorities have seized 13 internet domains that were allegedly used by Chinese intelligence services to recruit current and former U.S. government and military personnel, aiming to obtain sensitive and classified information. The Justice Department announced the seizures on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, following a court-authorized operation.

According to federal investigators, the websites posed as legitimate consulting firms and a nonprofit organization, using names such as Centrik Global Consulting, Pulse Wave Global, and the Gulf Peace Foundation. These entities advertised generic analyst and consulting jobs on professional networking sites like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Upwork, specifically targeting individuals with security clearances. Once applicants were engaged, they were reportedly pressured to provide exclusive reports containing sensitive government information in exchange for payment.

Officials described an operation that leveraged modern technology to appear authentic. The fake companies utilized AI-generated photographs, stolen or fraudulent identities, and stock language, while presenting themselves as based in locations like London or Singapore. Payments to...