Chinese recruitment ploys target laid-off U.S. officials

• American intelligence warns that China is attempting to recruit U.S. government employees, including those who lost their jobs due to layoffs in federal agencies.
• The U.S. National Counterintelligence and Security Centre (NCSC) reports that Chinese intelligence agencies are masquerading as consulting firms and recruiters on social media networks.
• Beijing has replied by stating that the U.S. has been conducting espionage activities worldwide and accuses other countries of similar practices.

American intelligence, through the U.S. National Counterintelligence and Security Centre (NCSC), has warned that Chinese intelligence agencies are targeting current and former U.S. government employees. They are disguising themselves as consulting firms, corporate recruiters, and think tanks on social media networks. This warning comes amidst mass layoffs in federal agencies, ordered by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

A spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, when asked about the NCSC warning, stated that he has no knowledge of the situation. He added that the U.S. falsely accuses other countries of espionage while engaging in similar actions against China and its allies. Reuters previously reported on a network of companies led by a Chinese technology firm attempting to recruit laid-off U.S. federal administration employees.

The NCSC reminded employees with security clearances that they are obliged to protect classified information even after leaving public service. The methods used by foreign intelligence are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and various countries are increasingly seeking to recruit individuals with experience in government administration who are seeking new employment.