In a sharp escalation of cyberwarfare allegations, Chinese authorities have accused three US intelligence agents of orchestrating a series of cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure during the 9th Asian Winter Games held in Harbin, China, earlier this year.
According to a statement released by the Harbin Public Security Bureau on Tuesday via social media platform Weibo, the trio—identified as Katheryn A. Wilson, Robert J. Snelling, and Stephen W. Johnson—are allegedly operatives from the US National Security Agency’s (NSA) Office of Tailored Access Operations (TAO), a division known for conducting cyber-intelligence and offensive cyber operations.
Alleged Targeting of Key Infrastructure
Authorities claim that between January 26 and February 14, during the peak of the games, the accused agents carried out cyber intrusions on “key information infrastructure” associated with the event. The compromised systems reportedly included those managing information dissemination, entry and exit protocols, payment systems, and local communication networks.
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The statement accused the agents of disrupting the smooth functioning of digital systems critical to the operation and security of the games, which hosted athletes and officials from across Asia.
Over 270,000 Cyberattacks Reported
The National Computer Virus Emergency Response Center of China had earlier disclosed that it recorded more than 270,000 foreign cyberattacks linked to the event, with nearly two-thirds allegedly traced back to US-based IP addresses. Chinese investigators claim to have uncovered evidence of a broader network of attacks involving American academic institutions, including the University of California and Virginia Tech, suggesting a “coordinated campaign” targeting the event.
Rewards Announced, Citizens Urged to Assist
In a bid to apprehend the accused, Harbin authorities have announced a financial reward for information that leads to their capture. Citizens have been urged to cooperate with law enforcement, and stern warnings were issued against acts of espionage. “We will take resolute action against foreign forces attempting to steal state secrets or disrupt our national security through cyberattacks,” the official statement emphasized.
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Rising Tensions in the Cyber Sphere
This latest allegation is set to further strain the already delicate relations between China and the United States, especially in the domain of cybersecurity. The accusation follows several instances in recent years where both nations have traded barbs over digital intrusions, cyber-espionage, and alleged state-sponsored hacking campaigns. Notably, in March, China sentenced a former engineer to death for leaking classified information to a foreign intelligence agency—part of a broader crackdown on internal leaks and foreign infiltration.
As tensions mount, observers say this case may prompt international calls for greater cybersecurity diplomacy and transparency between global powers to prevent digital warfare from escalating further.