Chinese state-backed hackers stole millions in COVID relief, report says

A hacker set up in his office in Dongguan, China.
(Image credit: NICOLAS ASFOURI/AFP via Getty Images)

An investigation by the U.S. Secret Service concluded that hackers linked to the Chinese government stole at least $20 million in COVID-19 relief benefits from the United States, NBC News reported Monday.

This marks the first case of pandemic fraud that has been tied to state-sponsored, foreign cybercriminals, the outlet reported.

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Justin Klawans, The Week US

 Justin Klawans has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022. He began his career covering local news before joining Newsweek as a breaking news reporter, where he wrote about politics, national and global affairs, business, crime, sports, film, television and other Hollywood news. Justin has also freelanced for outlets including Collider and United Press International.