The FBI seized 13 fake consulting-domain websites tied to Chinese intelligence that targeted U.S. government personnel with security clearances, posing as legitimate firms advertising jobs to obtain sensitive information.

Recruitment offered incentives for reporting on work and for providing non-public information, with operators using cryptocurrency and online payment systems to conceal identities.

Officials said scammers used professional networking sites, recruitment platforms, and AI-generated imagery to deceive targets and facilitate bribery, identity theft, and international money laundering.

The operation is framed as a serious threat, with officials stressing the commitment to expose and dismantle the recruitment networks and the ongoing risk of foreign intelligence targeting U.S. personnel.

Officials underscored vigilance against such targeting and the intent to dismantle these schemes.

The Justice Department announced the seizures, signaling official action in response to the operation.

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said the seizures demonstrate a determined effort to expose and dismantle attempts to exploit Americans with access to sensitive data.

Pirro stated the seizures send a message that attempts to exploit sensitive information will be exposed and dismantled.

Officials including Assistant Attorney General John A. Eisenberg and FBI Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky emphasized vigilance against foreign influence and the exposure of such schemes.

Eisenberg and Rozhavsky highlighted foreign interference risks and the danger of sensitive information disclosure.

Authorities noted the suspects denied involvement by any foreign government, and after seizures the domains were disabled and replaced with warning notices.

Officials described the scheme as an intelligence-collection effort to protect national security, noting domains were seized to disrupt the operation.