The US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on the hacking of the Chinese company Salt Storm

(Corrected the name to ‘Ke Cheng’ in the first and fourth paragraphs)

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. Treasury Department said on Friday it was investigating hacker Yin Kecheng and cybersecurity firm Sichuan Juxinhe Network Technology Co.

The raid, known as Salt Typhoon, is said to have shaken the US intelligence community by exposing a large log of calls that Americans provided to Chinese spies. In some cases, hackers have reportedly intercepted conversations between prominent US politicians and government officials. Some lawmakers described it as the worst telecom hack in American history.

In a statement, the Treasury identified Sichuan Juxinhe Network Technology Co. as a hacking company with strong ties to China’s Ministry of State Security, an intelligence agency. It is said that Yin Kechen was based in Shanghai, worked as a hacker for more than ten years, and was in contact with MSS. It was recently alleged to be related to the breach at the US Treasury.

Reuters could not immediately reach Yin Kecheng or Sichuan Juxinhe. The Chinese embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Beijing denies responsibility for cyber espionage campaigns.