US and ‘Five Eyes’ allies warn of LinkedIn China spying threat

The United States and its "Five Eyes" intelligence partners, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, have issued a joint warning about Chinese intelligence services using professional networking sites like LinkedIn. These agencies are employing aggressive online recruitment tactics, with intelligence officers or affiliates posing as consultants or recruiters. Their targets include government and military personnel within the Five Eyes nations, as well as individuals with access to classified or privileged information. The spies are specifically seeking foreign policy and defense analysts through online job postings. This unprecedented joint notice highlights concerns about Chinese espionage efforts to recruit assets through these platforms.

Chinese spies are using professional networking sites like LinkedIn to target UK government and military staff, according to a warning from MI5 and other Five Eyes intelligence agencies. These spies pose as recruiters for private businesses or thinktanks, advertising non-existent jobs to lure individuals with access to classified or sensitive information. The strategy involves pressuring candidates to provide non-public details on topics such as defense, foreign affairs, and regional military capabilities. The ultimate goal is to acquire intelligence that provides China with a strategic advantage. Individuals with security clearances, military personnel, and those with indirect access to government information are particularly targeted.