Chinese firms target laid-off U.S. workers

Investigations indicate that a network of companies linked to a secretive Chinese tech firm is attempting to recruit recently laid-off U.S. government workers. Max Lesser, a senior analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, said that such firms are “part of a broader network of fake consulting and headhunting firms targeting former government employees and AI researchers.” The companies involved share digital links and have been difficult to trace, with many contact details leading to dead ends. Lesser said that the campaign exploits the financial vulnerabilities of former federal workers affected by mass layoffs. A White House spokesperson warned that China is continuously trying to exploit the U.S. system through espionage. The FBI has also cautioned that Chinese intelligence may pose as consulting firms to target current and former U.S. government employees.