China uses surveillance tech to track dissident abroad
Chinese authorities reportedly used surveillance software from U.S. technology companies IBM, Oracle, and Microsoft to track dissident former official Li Chuanliang and over 14,000 other individuals across more than 120 countries. The technology enabled monitoring of communications, financial transactions, and location data as part of operations officially called 'Fox Hunt' and 'Sky Net,' with reports indicating deepfakes were also deployed in cross-border repression efforts.
What happened
China employed surveillance technology from U.S. companies IBM, Oracle, and Microsoft to track former Heilongjiang province official Li Chuanliang after he fled to the United States in 2018 over corruption allegations. Leaked emails, government procurement documents, and corporate briefings disclosed that the Ministry of Public Security Economic Crime Investigation Bureau purchased surveillance software from these companies to monitor officials' communications, payment information, flight records, calls and other data to locate fugitive officials and their assets.
Li Chuanliang reported being followed by individuals he believed to be Chinese operatives across multiple U.S. states including New York, California, and Texas. His communications were monitored, his assets located and seized, and his whereabouts tracked in Chinese police databases. Over 40 of his Chinese relatives, including a pregnant daughter, were detained by authorities. The operations, known as 'Fox Hunt' and 'Sky Net,' reportedly involved coercion, arrest, and pressure on relatives of those targeted.
Reported impact
Li Chuanliang stated he was subjected to round-the-clock surveillance affecting all his electronic devices and phones. He lost contact with relatives, could not obtain legal assistance, and lacked knowledge of the allegations against him. Chinese official data showed the surveillance technology helped identify nearly 900,000 officials for discipline in one year, compared to roughly 180,000 in 2012.
According to Chinese government records, the operations resulted in over 14,000 individuals being returned from more than 120 countries through coercion, arrest, and threats to relatives, of which approximately 3,000 were government officials. A University of Chicago researcher noted the operations served as a deterrent warning those abroad that escape was impossible.
Index analysis
The surveillance systems analyzed personal data including text messages, payment records, flight information, and call logs to identify officials, their relatives, and assets. The technology was sourced from Silicon Valley companies but deployed by Chinese authorities to track individuals outside China's borders.
Reports indicate deepfakes were reportedly used as part of cross-border repression tactics, though specific details of their deployment were not provided in the available information.
Governance controls
IBM stated it sold its i2 business in 2022 and maintained 'comprehensive mechanisms' to ensure technology was used appropriately. Oracle declined to comment and Microsoft did not respond to inquiries.
The U.S. State Department repeatedly criticized the overseas operations as 'threats' and 'violations of national sovereignty.' No regulatory enforcement actions or findings were identified in the reporting.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.