Intelligence agencies from five allied nations are warning professionals to be wary of unsolicited messages on platforms like LinkedIn, as Chinese military intelligence is reportedly using these channels to recruit individuals for information gathering. The FBI, MI5, and their counterparts in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand have issued a joint advisory detailing a sophisticated operation where Chinese intelligence officers, or those acting on their behalf, pose as recruiters for legitimate-sounding private consultancies.
These deceptive "cover companies" often claim to be based outside of China to enhance their credibility. The primary targets are individuals whose careers have involved government, defense, or foreign policy sectors. The recruitment process begins with job advertisements placed on professional networking and job search sites, including LinkedIn, Indeed, and Upwork. Resumes are then evaluated based on the applicant's potential access to sensitive information.
Following an initial screening, candidates undergo online interviews where the recruiters conceal their true identities and inquire about the applicant's government contacts. For those with military backgrounds, questions may delve into their roles, unit activities, home bases, or even details about naval vessels they serve on.
Successful candidates are then tasked with completing a trial report on seemingly innocuous topics such as China's bilateral relations, regional defense issues, or international trade. Once a working relationship is established, the recruiters inform the recruits that more sensitive materials will be required for future assignments, and the communication typically shifts to encrypted messaging applications.
Payments for these reports can range from several hundred to thousands of dollars, with transactions facilitated through various online payment platforms and cryptocurrency. The agencies emphasize that targets do not necessarily need to possess security clearances to be valuable to Chinese intelligence. Even unclassified information concerning government policy, military strategy, or capabilities can be pieced together with more sensitive data to create a "comprehensive operational picture."
Academics, journalists, freelance writers, and employees of think tanks are identified as potential targets. The advisory also highlights that simply submitting a CV containing employment history, specialized knowledge, and professional contacts can hold intelligence value, even if the applicant does not proceed further in the recruitment process.
The Five Eyes agencies have reportedly identified individuals who have engaged in such activities for China, and these individuals may face consequences including criminal prosecution, job loss, and the revocation of security clearances. Professionals are advised to approach unsolicited job offers with skepticism, especially if the opportunity seems unusually tailored to their background or if the communication quickly moves to encrypted platforms. China has denied the allegations, labeling them as fabricated and malicious slander, and has instead accused the Five Eyes nations of posing a threat to international stability.
