Photo: Screenshot of MSS's publicity video

China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) revealed multiple cases on Tuesday, including foreign espionage agencies using social media platforms under the pretense of "collecting unique numbers" to search for and purchase various software accounts and phone numbers, which are then used for espionage communications and fund transfers.

Some foreign espionage agencies disguise themselves as collectors, part-time job recruiters, or confidants in intimate relationships to conduct espionage activities, according to the official WeChat account of the MSS.

A man posted his phone number for sale online, and it was quickly purchased. However, he only realized that his phone number had been used by foreign spies when the national security agency launched an investigation on him.

Espionage agents also post part-time job ads on social media, recruiting individuals under the guise of conducting surveys. They direct recruits to sensitive or classified areas in China to carry out observation, reconnaissance and photography, using these activities to gather state secrets.

In one case, a student seeking extra income found a "data researcher" part-time job online. The job required him to visit designated locations weekly, take photos as instructed, and send them to the so-called headquarters in exchange for payment. It was only after being investigated by state security departments that the student realized their actions had jeopardized national security and broken the law.

On social media platforms, foreign espionage and intelligence agencies also target researchers in critical fields or personnel in sensitive positions, attempting to recruit them. They often disguise themselves as confidants, initiating fake romantic or close relationships, using sweet words to lure their targets.

In another case that the MSS revealed, a university student, surnamed Li, started a "romantic relationship" with a local individual, A, during an overseas exchange. After graduation, Li used his position in a sensitive unit to leak classified documents to A. A was later found to be an agent of a foreign espionage and intelligence agency.

The MSS urges the public to stay vigilant and recognize spies who, under disguised identities, secretly observe and target individuals using increasingly covert and varied methods.

Global Times