FBI: A Chinese Hacker Stole Massive Amounts Of Intel On 32 US Military Projects
Su Bin and two Chinese-based co-conspirators allegedly hacked into Boeing's internal network and networks of other defense contractors in the U.S. and Europe between 2009 and 2013.
In an email to his alleged co-conspirators, Bin said he wanted to help China "stand easily on the giant's shoulder's," The Register reported.
Bin allegedly stole data for 32 different U.S. projects, including data related to fifth-generation fighters the F-22 and the F-35, as well as Boeing's C-17 cargo plane. U.S. authorities believe Bin and his colleagues tried to sell the stolen intelligence to state-owned companies within China.
According to a criminal complaint filed by FBI special agent Noel A. Neeman, Bin stole 220 megabytes of data related to the F-22 and an additional 65 gigabytes of data on the C-17.
This is not the first time that hackers associated with China have been accused of stealing sensitive military documents. China is currently developing a new fifth-generation fighter that is believed to have been modeled after stolen F-35 plans.
Chinese hacking often serves to boost the country's economy, as hackers steal trade secrets related to nuclear power, metal and solar product industries, and defense technology.