FBI Seizes China-Linked Fake Consulting Sites Targeting US Clearance Holders

US federal authorities seized 13 domains allegedly used in a China-linked intelligence recruitment campaign that posed as consulting firms to target current and former US government employees, military personnel, and security-clearance holders; the operation used fake company websites, job ads on freelance platforms, AI-generated profile photos, stolen identities, encrypted messaging apps, and overseas payments, and is accused of involving bribery, identity theft, and international money laundering.