President Trump’s Justice Department just shut down thirteen internet domains allegedly tied to a Chinese operation aimed at Americans with access to government secrets.
The seized domains allegedly posed as consulting-company websites and advertised generic jobs.
Federal authorities say the targets included current and former security-clearance holders with access to classified and sensitive U.S. government information.
The Justice Department’s National Security Division posted the case update after the seizures were announced:
13 internet domains used to target U.S. persons, including current and former security clearance holders with access to classified and sensitive U.S. government information, were seized today by federal authorities.
“These domain seizures offer a glimpse at how foreign actors… pic.twitter.com/iWfIPQ5wLO
— National Security Division, U.S. Dept of Justice (@DOJNatSec) June 10, 2026
That is the bait-and-hook version of espionage.
It does not start with a trench coat or a dead drop.
It starts with a vague consulting offer, an overseas payment, and a request for information that should never leave a secure channel.
The Justice Department described the core allegation this way:
Thirteen internet domains used to target U.S. persons … were seized today by federal authorities.
generic “consulting” jobs
DOJ said the alleged scheme reached for current and former U.S. government and military employees, think tank staff, academics, and others with access to sensitive material.
The affidavit cited by the department alleged the conspirators used aliases, AI-generated images, stolen identities, encrypted apps, social media, job postings, and recruiting platforms.
The FBI framed it as a case update from the Norfolk and Washington field offices:
CASE UPDATE from @FBINorfolk and @FBIWFO: Justice Department, FBI Disable 13 Websites Backed by Suspected Chinese Agents That Sought Sensitive U.S. Information from Security Clearance Holders
Beginning in November 2023, the conspirators created at least 13 fake consulting… pic.twitter.com/Lv1Sm6Wvz1
— FBI (@FBI) June 10, 2026
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg said the domain seizures show how foreign actors can use promises of easy money to lure Americans into revealing information they are duty-bound to protect.
FBI official Daniel Wierzbicki said the Chinese government has tried to exploit U.S. government employees behind fake companies and phony job postings.
The target list is the point.
Clearance holders, military personnel, academics, and think-tank staff carry knowledge that does not always show up in a public document.
A fake consulting job can be enough to start the conversation.
From there, investigators say the pressure can move toward confidential reports, insider information, and money routed through overseas accounts.
Pulling down thirteen domains cuts off one recruiting lane.
It also warns anyone being approached online for vague paid “consulting” work tied to sensitive U.S. information.
This is a Guest Post from our friends over at WLTReport. View the original article here.
