5 Chinese Nationals Charged In Global Hacking Scheme By US Justice Department

The Justice Department on Wednesday charged five Chinese nationals involved in a hacking scheme that targeted more than 100 companies and institutions in the U.S. and around the world. The hackers attempted intrusions into software development companies, telecommunications firms, gaming companies, nonprofits and foreign governments, among others.

Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey A. Rosen criticized the Chinese government for providing a safe haven to the hacking group, known as APT41.

“The [D]epartment of Justice has used every tool available to disrupt the illegal computer intrusions and cyberattacks by these Chinese citizens,” Rosen said in a statement. “Regrettably, the Chinese communist party has chosen a different path of making China safe for cybercriminals so long as they attack computers outside China and steal intellectual property helpful to China.”

Two Malaysian businessmen who participated in the campaign were also arrested by Malaysian authorities this week and are facing extradition proceedings, according to Justice Department. The businessmen were charged with profiting off hacking attempts into the video game industry.

“Today’s announcement demonstrates the ramifications faced by the hackers in China but it is also a reminder to those who continue to deploy malicious cyber tactics that we will utilize every tool we have to administer justice,” said FBI Deputy Director David Bowdich.

“The arrests in Malaysia are a direct result of partnership, cooperation and collaboration. As the cyber threat continues to evolve larger than any one agency can address, the FBI remains committed to being an indispensable partner to our federal, international and private sector partners to stop rampant cyber crime and hold those carrying out these kind of actions accountable.”

The Trump administration has taken a hardline approach against Chinese cyber threats. The White House has cracked down on Chinese telecommunications firm Huawei and ByteDance, the Beijing-based creator of the TikTok video app, because they pose alleged national security risks.

In an address at the Hudson Institute in July, FBI Director Christopher Wray criticized the Chinese government’s use of espionage and cyberattacks against the U.S., calling it “one of the largest transfers of wealth in human history.” Wray is particularly critical of China’s attempts to hack into American companies and steal intellectual property.

In May, U.S. officials accused Chinese hackers of targeting American universities and pharmaceutical companies in order to steal research about COVID-19 vaccines and treatment.