They're accused of hacking hundreds of companies, government organizations, dissidents, human rights activists and private companies, including those engaged in COVID-19 vaccine research. The indictment says the two men were assisted by an unnamed Chinese intelligence officer who is known to the grand jury. 'More recently, the defendants probed for vulnerabilities in computer networks of companies developing COVID-19 vaccines, testing technology and treatments.' The indictment of Li and Dong marks the first time the US has charged suspected Chinese hackers with not only working to enrich themselves, but also on behalf of their native government. The Chinese government has routinely denied it conducts or sponsors hacks of foreign networks for purposes of economic espionage.

Source: Daily Mail July 21, 2020 16:32 UTC