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China names 3 alleged NSA spies wanted for US cyberattacks on Asian Winter Games
Police in Harbin issue arrest warrants, offer rewards for clues on February AI attack on event information system that allegedly involved US universities
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Yuanyue Dangin Beijing
Three people described as agents of America’s National Security Agency (NSA) have been added to a wanted list by police in the northeastern Chinese city of Harbin for allegedly taking part in cyberattacks during the Asian Winter Games held in the city in February.
Chinese cybersecurity experts accused the individuals of using artificial intelligence (AI) to launch the attacks.
“The Harbin Municipal Public Security Bureau has issued [arrest] warrants for three suspects linked to the US National Security Agency: Katheryn A. Wilson, Robert J. Snelling and Stephen W. Johnson,” the authorities said in a notice on Tuesday.
The police accused the three of working with the NSA’s Office of Tailored Access Operations, and said cash rewards would be offered to people who provided clues.
“Investigations have revealed that these three agents have repeatedly participated in cyberattacks on China’s critical information infrastructure and in hacking activities against enterprises such as Huawei,” the warrant stated. No further information was disclosed about the suspects or their whereabouts.
The police also accused the University of California and Virginia Tech of being involved in the attacks, but did not indicate how they were involved.
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