In Paris, a European security source revealed that China has been using fake profiles on LinkedIn to try and collect sensitive information from officials linked to NATO and the European Union.
According to the source, the operation is believed to be connected to China’s state security services. It reportedly targeted dozens of staff members working in NATO and EU institutions by approaching them through fake accounts.
The method was simple but clever. These fake profiles pretended to be recruiters offering paid opportunities. At first, they would ask for general reports. But over time, they would push for more sensitive information—sometimes even classified details.
One of the most active fake profiles went by the name “Kevin Zhang,” claiming to represent a company called “Oriental Consulting” based in Hong Kong. Investigators say this company wasn’t real.
People from countries like France, Belgium, and the United Kingdom were reportedly contacted. Some were paid hundreds, and in some cases thousands, of dollars for the information they provided.
Annelies Verlinden confirmed that this kind of activity has been going on for years. She said many civil servants, academics, and other influential figures around the world have been approached by individuals who later turned out to be linked to Chinese intelligence.
She warned that a large amount of valuable information may already have been passed on as a result.
Verlinden also pointed to social media as a major risk. She described it as a space where powerful countries can easily approach people, persuade them, and even recruit them for espionage or propaganda in exchange for money.
Reports say the spies were especially interested in topics like EU sanctions against China and NATO’s strategy in Asia—particularly regarding Taiwan.
China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has said it may use force to bring it under its control.
Warnings about this kind of activity are not new. In 2023, a former head of France’s intelligence service spoke about a large-scale espionage effort by China that may have started as early as 2014, often using platforms like LinkedIn.
More recently, in November, the UK’s domestic intelligence agency MI5 also warned that Chinese agents were posing as recruiters to target politicians and officials online. However, China’s embassy in London has denied these claims.
In short, the situation highlights a growing concern: modern espionage is no longer just about secret meetings—it’s now happening openly on social media platforms, where anyone could be a target.
