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12 Chinese Hackers and Officials Charged by US Prosecutors in Global Cybercrime Campaigns
**A series of high-profile criminal cases filed in New York and Washington has shed new light on the allegedly thriving "hacking-for-hire" ecosystem in China, according to US prosecutors. The cases, which involve 12 Chinese hackers and officials, mark a significant escalation in the country's efforts to silence critics and rivals through cybercrime.
**A Boomtown of Cybercrime**
The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has been actively pursuing a series of cases targeting Chinese nationals accused of participating in global cybercrime campaigns. These campaigns, which have been linked to some of China's most powerful state-backed hackers, are believed to be orchestrated by the Chinese government to intimidate and silence critics, as well as to steal sensitive information from foreign companies.
**The Latest Round of Arrests**
In a statement released earlier this month, US Attorney General Merrick Garland announced that 12 individuals had been charged with conspiracy, wire fraud, and other crimes related to their alleged involvement in these cybercrime campaigns. The cases were filed in New York and Washington, marking the latest development in a long-running investigation into China's hacking-for-hire ecosystem.
**Meet the Accused**
Among those charged are several high-ranking officials from the Chinese government, including former members of the country's military and intelligence agencies. These individuals are accused of using their positions to orchestrate complex cyberattacks against foreign targets, often for financial gain or to further the interests of the Chinese state.
**The Scope of the Attacks**
According to US prosecutors, the attacks in question were carried out by a sophisticated group of hackers who used advanced techniques, including zero-day exploits and social engineering tactics. The victims of these attacks included US companies, as well as individuals and organizations around the world.
**A Growing Global Threat**
The charging of these 12 Chinese hackers and officials marks a significant escalation in the global threat posed by China's hacking-for-hire ecosystem. As one US official put it, "This is just the beginning" of a growing effort to hold Chinese nationals accountable for their role in these cybercrime campaigns.
**A Message from the US Government**
The US government has long viewed China's hacking-for-hire ecosystem as a significant threat to national security and economic stability. The charging of these 12 individuals serves as a reminder that the US will not tolerate such activities, and that those who engage in them will face severe consequences.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story, as more information becomes available about the charges against these Chinese hackers and officials.