# US Charges Chinese Hackers Who Targeted Dissidents
The United States has charged 12 Chinese nationals with participating in a sophisticated hacking scheme that targeted dissidents, government agencies, and foreign organizations. The "state-sponsored" operation, which was allegedly carried out by hackers affiliated with the private company i-Soon, sold sensitive data to the Chinese government and targeted various institutions worldwide.
The charges were unsealed on Wednesday in a federal court in Manhattan, marking a significant development in the ongoing effort to hold Chinese officials accountable for their alleged involvement in cybercrime. Among those charged were two high-ranking officers from China's Ministry of Public Security, highlighting the deep state-level involvement in the hacking operation.
The Justice Department (DOJ) alleges that i-Soon, a company purportedly based in China, sold exploited email inboxes to Chinese agencies for between $10,000 and $75,000 each. The hackers allegedly conducted computer intrusions under the direction of Chinese ministries and on their own initiative, and were paid handsomely for stolen data.
"Today, we are exposing the Chinese government agents directing and fostering indiscriminate and reckless attacks against computers and networks worldwide," said Sue J Bai, head of the DOJ's National Security Division. "We will continue to fight to dismantle this ecosystem of cyber mercenaries and protect our national security." The US government has offered a significant reward for information leading to the capture of i-Soon employees and Chinese officials involved in malicious cyber activities.
No further details on the targeted US-based dissidents were provided, but it is believed that they were individuals who had previously expressed criticism or opposition to the Chinese government. Other victims included an American religious organization and a Hong Kong newspaper, which are both considered to be opposed to the PRC government.
The hacking operation also targeted foreign ministries in Taiwan, India, South Korea, and Indonesia, further highlighting China's extensive cyber espionage network.
China has not responded directly to these allegations, but the country has consistently denied involvement in hacking operations. However, this latest development marks a significant escalation in tensions between the US and China over cybercrime.
Last October, the FBI and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency reported that hacks targeting two major US presidential campaigns were carried out by "actors affiliated with the People's Republic of China". Earlier last year, seven Chinese nationals were charged with running a hacking operation that lasted at least 14 years and targeted foreign critics of China.
Operations linked to China have also targeted institutions in the UK and New Zealand. The US State Department has offered rewards for information on i-Soon and its employees, as part of its ongoing efforts to disrupt Chinese cyber espionage networks.