According to a recent report, U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar was impersonated by Chinese-affiliated hackers seeking to gain information during trade talks between China and the United States.

The spying attempt, which originated in July 2025, was recently made public.

“This is another example of China’s offensive cyber operations designed to steal American strategy and leverage it against Congress, the Administration, and the American people,” Moolenaar said of the incident. “We will not be intimidated, and we will continue our work to keep America safe.

The hackers, later linked to the APT41 group, sent emails impersonating Moolenaar to U.S. trade groups, law firms, and government agencies, seeking feedback on proposed legislation and sanctions related to foreign trade policy. After Moolenaar’s committee received confused replies from recipients, some containing malware, cybersecurity firms and the FBI launched an investigation.

It has not been confirmed whether the incident caused any harm.

Moolenaar serves as chairman of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party. He also represents Michigan’s 2nd Congressional District, which includes Barry, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Ionia, Isabella, Lake, Manistee, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Newaygo, Oceana, and Osceola counties, as well as portions of Eaton, Kent, Midland, Muskegon, Ottawa, and Wexford counties.