China reportedly used fake LinkedIn profiles in an attempt to gather sensitive data from NATO and European Union institutions by soliciting information from staff, a European security source said Friday.
Espionage Tactics
The operation, allegedly orchestrated by Beijing’s state security ministry, targeted dozens of employees at the military alliance or EU organisations through fictitious accounts, the source said. These accounts were used by individuals posing as recruiters on the professional networking platform.
According to the source, these “recruiters” initially requested paid reports before later soliciting non-public or even classified information. One profile, used extensively in the operation, belonged to someone named “Kevin Zhang,” who claimed to be the head of a Hong Kong-based firm called “Oriental Consulting.”
Individuals recruited from countries including France, Belgium and the United Kingdom were reportedly paid several hundred — and in some cases several thousand — dollars for their contributions, the source stated. Belgian Justice Minister Annelies Verlinden said that for years, “various civil servants, academics and other influential figures around the world have been approached by what turned out to be an agent of the Chinese intelligence services.”
Through this operation, “a great deal of important information and intelligence may have reached China,” Verlinden added.
Topics of interest reportedly included EU sanctions and other measures targeting China, as well as NATO’s strategy in Asia — particularly concerning Taiwan. China claims Taiwan is part of its territory and has threatened to use force to bring the self-ruled island under its control.
The former head of France’s foreign intelligence service warned in 2023 of a “massive espionage operation” launched by Beijing in 2014 — if not earlier — via social media, notably LinkedIn.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the primary goal of this operation?
The primary goal was to harvest sensitive data from NATO and European Union institutions by soliciting information from staff, according to a European security source.
How were individuals recruited?
Individuals were recruited through fake LinkedIn profiles posing as recruiters, who initially requested paid reports before seeking non-public or classified information.
Which countries were targeted in this operation?
Recruits were reportedly from France, Belgium, and the United Kingdom.
Given the increasing sophistication of these tactics, what steps can individuals and organizations take to protect themselves from similar espionage attempts?
