Suspected Chinese spy network targeted Australians through LinkedIn
The LinkedIn accounts targeted more than 100 individuals linked to Australia between 2016 and 2025.
An ABC investigation found that LinkedIn personas using fictional consultancies, including Data 31, approached more than 60 Australians and thousands of people worldwide from 2016 to 2025. The AFP alleges Chinese intelligence was behind the operation; China’s embassy rejects the claim.
Claims
Support what holds up. Dispute what doesn't.
- 100 →60people
The LinkedIn accounts targeted more than 100 individuals linked to Australia between 2016 and 2025.
1 of 2 sources“Between 2016 to 2025, more than 60 Australians, including around 20 government officials, were targeted.”
- 60peopleabc.net.au
- 100peopleabc.net.au
- 58people
The LinkedIn accounts directly approached 58 people among their Australia-linked connections.
“The accused foreign agents reached out to 58 of those connections”