The United States has made a dramatic accusation against the Chinese government, alleging that Beijing paid hackers to target dissidents, religious groups, news outlets, and American government agencies.

According to the U.S. Justice Department, prosecutors have charged 10 Chinese citizens and two government agents for computer hacks that took place between 2016 and 2023. The alleged hacking scheme involved Anxun Information Technology, a cybersecurity firm also known as i-Soon, which was allegedly paid by the Chinese government to carry out the cyber attacks.

The indictment unsealed on Wednesday accuses eight i-Soon employees and two Chinese Ministry of Public Security officials of various crimes related to their alleged involvement in hacking email accounts, mobile phones, servers, and websites. The alleged hacking scheme is believed to have been carried out in a way that obscured its involvement, with the U.S. alleging that Anxun Information Technology was hired by the Chinese government to carry out the attacks.

Separate charges were also made public against two other Chinese citizens, who prosecutors said were linked to a recent breach of the U.S. Treasury Department. The allegations come as tensions between the U.S. and China continue to escalate, with both countries engaging in a cyber espionage war.

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