"Chinese-Linked Hackers Stole Millions in COVID-19 Relief Benefits: Secret Service"
Secret Service officials recently announced that hackers from a cybercriminal group linked to the Chinese government stole at least $20 million from the U.S. in COVID-19 relief benefits, the first known instance of foreign, state-sponsored actors tied to pandemic fraud. The officials noted that APT41 is a "Chinese state-sponsored, cyber threat group that is highly adept at conducting espionage missions and financial crimes for personal gain." Since the rollout of pandemic money in 2020, billions have been stolen by fraudulent actors across the U.S. and in other parts of the world through the Paycheck Protection Program or expanded unemployment insurance. The officials stated in August that the Secret Service recovered $286 million in stolen pandemic relief money. Some of the recovered money included funds that were stolen by APT41. APT41, which is known by other names, including Wicked Panda, started stealing relief money in mid-2020. APT41's scheme spanned 2,000 accounts associated with over 40,000 financial transactions.