US, UK sanction alleged China-based hackers for targeting voters, critics

The sanctions identify a company and individuals accused of collaborating with the Chinese government to launch cyberattacks.

The United States and the United Kingdom have announced sanctions against a Chinese company and two individuals after an alleged cyber-espionage operation targeted millions of people, including legislators, voters and prominent Beijing critics.

In announcing the sanctions on Monday, the US and UK traced the “malicious cyber activity” back to intelligence operations within the Chinese government.

A statement from the US Treasury Department identified the sanctioned organisation as Wuhan Xiaoruizhi Science and Technology Company Ltd. The announcement described it as a front company for the Chinese Ministry of State Security, serving as a “cover for multiple malicious cyberoperations”.

The US Treasury also named two Chinese nationals in its sanctions: Zhao Guangzong and Ni Gaobin, both of whom are affiliated with the Wuhan company. They are accused of using cyberattacks to undermine critical infrastructure sectors including defence, aerospace and energy.

Also on Monday, the US  Department of Justice charged Zhao, Ni and five other hackers with conspiracy to commit computer intrusions and wire fraud. The agency said they were part of a 14-year-long cyber operation “targeting US and foreign critics, businesses and political officials”.