How China Uses LinkedIn to Recruit Spies Abroad

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Western intelligence officials say Chinese agents are contacting thousands of foreign citizens using LinkedIn, including former government officials.

Chinese agents often make offers over various channels, including LinkedIn, to bring the prospective recruit to China, sometimes through the guise of a corporate recruiting firm offering to pay them for speaking or consulting engagements or aid in research. From there, agents develop the relationship.

People who have just left government are especially vulnerable because they are often looking for new employment, former officials say.

“Foreign intelligence services are looking for anyone with access to the information they want, whether classified or unclassified, including corporate trade secrets, intellectual property and other research.”