Chinese authorities have identified three U.S. citizens as suspected "secret agents" linked to cyberattacks targeting the 2025 Asian Winter Games in Harbin City. The Harbin City Public Security Bureau announced on Tuesday that Katheryn Wilson, Robert Snelling, and Stephen Johnson, allegedly affiliated with the U.S. National Security Agency's (NSA) Office of Tailored Access Operations (TAO), are now subject to formal arrest warrants.
According to a statement posted on the bureau\u2019s official Weibo account, the trio is accused of orchestrating large-scale cyber intrusions against critical infrastructure and enterprises in the Chinese mainland during the international sporting event. Authorities claim TAO also masterminded a 2022 cyberattack on a top aviation university, highlighting a pattern of escalating digital threats.
\u201cThese malicious acts undermine regional stability and violate international norms,\u201d the statement said, urging global cooperation to counter cybercrime. The disclosure comes amid heightened tensions over cybersecurity and technological sovereignty between the U.S. and China.
The allegations cast a shadow over preparations for the 2025 Asian Winter Games, a high-profile event expected to draw thousands of athletes and tourists to Heilongjiang Province. Experts suggest the case underscores the growing risks to international sports and cultural platforms from state-sponsored cyber activities.
