The United States Department of Justice has unsealed a two-count criminal indictment against ten Chinese nationals accused of engaging in a prolonged hacking campaign. The individuals, associated with the Chinese company i-Soon, are alleged to have conducted cyber intrusions on behalf of the Chinese government, targeting various international and U.S.-based entities.
Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky highlighted the severity of state-sponsored hacking as a threat to national security. "For years, these 10 defendants—two of whom we allege are PRC officials—used sophisticated hacking techniques to target religious organizations, journalists, and Government agencies," he stated. Podolsky emphasized that these charges aim to disrupt such activities and protect national security.
Sue J. Bai, Head of the National Security Division at the Department of Justice, affirmed the department's commitment to combating cybersecurity threats. "Today, we are exposing the Chinese government agents directing and fostering indiscriminate and reckless attacks against computers and networks worldwide," she said.
Leslie R. Backschies from the FBI underscored ongoing efforts to counteract espionage activities by foreign states. "The charges announced today expose the PRC’s continued attempts to spy on and silence anyone it deems threatening to the Chinese Communist Party," she noted.
According to allegations in the indictment, i-Soon operated under directives from China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) and Ministry of Public Security (MPS), targeting victims who were critics or perceived threats to China's ruling party. The company's operations spanned several years, generating significant revenue through unauthorized access to various digital platforms.
i-Soon reportedly worked closely with multiple MSS or MPS bureaus, charging substantial fees for each successful hack. Victims included prominent media outlets, government agencies like the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency and Department of Commerce, religious organizations, and foreign ministries in Asia.
The indictment also details i-Soon's development and sale of advanced hacking tools designed for unauthorized access to computer systems and social media accounts. These tools were allegedly used by customers including PRC government agencies for intelligence gathering purposes.
The defendants remain at large but face serious charges including conspiracy to commit computer intrusions and wire fraud. Each charge carries significant potential prison sentences if convicted.
Matthew Podolsky commended the FBI's work on this case which is being prosecuted by his office's Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit alongside assistance from Trial Attorney Gregory J. Nicosia Jr.
The indictment serves as an allegation until proven otherwise in court; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.