China using fake LinkedIn profiles to target UK secrets, experts claim

Chinese intelligence services are using relatively simple methods to attempt to obtain sensitive information from British officials and members of the public, according to claims by security experts.

The alleged espionage tactics reportedly include fake emails, fraudulent LinkedIn profiles, and the use of gifts to cultivate contacts and extract information, Daily Star reports.

Experts warn that the covert activities directed from Beijing now represent a “critical threat” to both the United States and the United Kingdom.

“Brits are every bit as much at risk as our key American allies – subjected to espionage running at extremely high levels,” said Anthony Glees, a security expert, speaking to The Sun.

Earlier this month, two men became the first individuals in British history to be convicted of spying for China in what has been described as a “shadow policing operation.”

UK security services have also warned that China is increasingly using online platforms to target individuals with access to sensitive information. MI5 has urged members of the public to remain alert to unsolicited online contact from suspected intelligence operatives.

The agency alleged that two LinkedIn accounts were being used by agents to “recruit” individuals with access to classified material. The profiles, under the names Amanda Qiu and Shirly Shen, featured headshots of women.

Qiu’s profile described her as a recruiter for “visionary companies with world-class talent,” while Shen identified herself as a “global head-hunter.”

Professor Glees said LinkedIn presents significant opportunities for intelligence gathering.

“LinkedIn offers huge opportunities for Chinese espionage. In order to get noticed and gain promotions people use the platform to relentlessly display expertise,” he said.

He explained that once an intelligence operative identifies a potential target, they “work out an approach,” often posing as recruiters or researchers in order to build long-term relationships and extract sensitive information.

In cases involving the two LinkedIn accounts, experts suggested they may have functioned as “honeypots,” an espionage tactic involving the use of romantic or sexual enticement to obtain confidential information.

MI5 estimates that more than 200,000 UK nationals may have been approached by Chinese intelligence operatives online.

“China under Xi believes it dominates the globe and that is now within striking distance of becoming the sole superpower of the future,” Professor Glees added.

By Vafa Guliyeva