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Belgium has launched a judicial investigation into an alleged Chinese cyberattack that infiltrated the email system of its state security service (VSSE), the federal prosecutor’s office confirmed on Wednesday.
According to a Reuters report, the prosecutor’s office received a formal complaint from the VSSE regarding the breach.
Massive Email Theft by Chinese Hackers
The probe validates a prior report by Belgian newspaper Le Soir, which revealed that Chinese state-sponsored hackers allegedly stole 10% of all incoming and outgoing emails from the VSSE between 2021 and 2023.
The cyber-espionage operation reportedly exploited a vulnerability in a U.S. cybersecurity product—an email security tool from Barracuda Networks. In 2023, cybersecurity experts linked this flaw to a Chinese threat group known as UNC4841, which was behind cyberattacks targeting government agencies and private organizations across Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Europe.
How the Attack Unfolded
Hackers weaponized phishing emails containing malicious attachments to exploit the Barracuda vulnerability. Once inside, they deployed three strains of malware—Saltwater, SeaSpy, and Seaside—to establish a backdoor into compromised systems, allowing them to steal sensitive data and conduct espionage.
According to Le Soir, the attack specifically compromised an external email server used for communications between the VSSE and government ministries, law enforcement agencies, and public prosecutors. Fortunately, classified internal communications were not affected.
However, the breached server also handled human resources-related correspondence, sparking concerns that personal data of nearly half of the VSSE’s staff and past applicants may have been exposed.
Belgium Tight-Lipped as Investigation Continues
Belgian officials have yet to disclose details about the VSSE breach and have not confirmed or denied Le Soir’s findings, stating only that the case remains under investigation.
The attack was initially reported by local media in 2023, the same year Barracuda publicly disclosed the vulnerability. Following the breach, the VSSE stopped using Barracuda’s services and advised affected employees to renew their personal identification documents as a precaution against identity fraud.
As of now, no stolen data has surfaced on the dark web, nor have ransom demands been made. However, Belgian security officials continue to monitor underground markets for any signs of leaked information.
China Remains Silent
Despite mounting allegations, Chinese authorities have not issued any statements regarding the attack.
The case underscores the growing threat of Chinese cyber-espionage in Europe, raising serious concerns over foreign infiltration into sensitive government networks. Belgium’s investigation could mark a significant turning point in cybersecurity accountability at a global level.
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It would be very difficult to establish a link between the hackers and Chinese authorities.
Thank you, Munaeem. That’s the argument often made, but the reality is that these hacking groups don’t operate in a vacuum. The same tools, techniques, and targets consistently align with Chinese state interests.
They don’t need an official signature—the pattern speaks for itself. The real challenge isn’t proving a direct link—it’s getting people to acknowledge what’s already clear.