Phony whistleblowers, fake journalists and cyber spies
The ICIJ network has been targeted by impersonators posing as journalists and whistleblowers, likely linked to Chinese cyber espionage efforts. These impersonators sought sensitive information from Taiwanese officials and human rights advocates following the publication of a report on China's tactics against regime critics. Investigations reveal a broader campaign aimed at gathering intelligence on various activists and journalists connected to the ICIJ.
- ▪Kuochun Hung, COO of the Taiwanese media outlet Watchout, received an email from someone impersonating a well-known journalist, Yi-Shan Chen.
- ▪The impersonator's email contained suspicious elements, leading Hung to suspect it was a Chinese spy attempt.
- ▪An investigation by ICIJ and Citizen Lab found that these impersonation attempts are part of a coordinated strategy to gather intelligence on critics of the Chinese government.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
TRANSNATIONAL REPRESSION Phony whistleblowers, fake journalists and cyber spies: ICIJ network targeted after China Targets probe Shortly after publication, a slew of fake ICIJ reporters approached journalists, Taiwanese officials, and human rights advocates seeking sensitive data. With Citizen Lab, we investigated. By Scilla Alecci Image: Odd Andersen / AFP via Getty Images April 27, 2026 A silhouette of a demonstrator is seen behind a Chinese flag. In May 2025, Kuochun Hung, the chief operating officer of the Taiwanese media outlet Watchout, received an email from someone purporting to be Yi-Shan Chen, a well-regarded local reporter.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at International Consortium of Investigative Journalists.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from International Consortium of Investigative Journalists
