Ministry of State Security

China · founded 1983 · China's civilian intelligence and security service.

Episode: CLASSIFIED — COMING SOON

Section: China

Case files (4): Salt Typhoon: alleged PRC targeting of telecommunications networks · Yanjun Xu: an MSS officer convicted in the United States · MI5 alert on a Chinese “front” institute · Hafnium hacking case: extradition of Xu Zewei

Leaks (1): i-Soon leak: a Chinese hacking contractor

Documented items (2)

ALLEGED April 2026

Hafnium hacking case: extradition

The US Justice Department alleges Xu Zewei worked as a contractor for the MSS in cyberattacks, including targeting COVID-19 research; he was extradited from Italy and has not been tried on these facts.

Sources (opened in a new tab):

TechCrunch: Hacker who allegedly carried out cyberattacks for China is extradited ↗ https://techcrunch.com/2026/04/27/hacker-who-allegedly-carried-out-cyberattacks-for-china-is-extradited-to-u-s/

ALLEGED 30 September 2026

MI5 alert on CGTRI

MI5 says a Chinese institute that funds UK academics is a front for the MSS; these are MI5's assertions.

Sources (opened in a new tab):

The Guardian: MI5 issues spy alert to UK universities ↗ https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/sep/30/mi5-issues-spy-alert-over-body-linked-chinese-state-stealing-vital-uk-research-universities