Europe sanctions Chinese and Iranian firms for cyberattacks

Europe Strikes Back: EU Imposes Sanctions on Chinese and Iranian Firms for Cyberattacks

In a bold move to counter escalating cyber threats, the Council of the European Union has imposed sweeping sanctions on three Chinese and Iranian companies, along with two individuals, for their alleged roles in cyberattacks targeting devices and critical infrastructure across Europe. This decisive action underscores the EU’s commitment to safeguarding its digital sovereignty and holding state-sponsored actors accountable for malicious cyber activities.

The sanctioned entities include Integrity Technology Group and Anxun Information Technology from China, and Emennet Pasargad from Iran. Additionally, the co-founders of Anxun Information Technology, whose identities remain undisclosed, have been personally targeted by the sanctions.

Integrity Technology Group, a prominent Chinese firm, has been accused of providing “technical and material support” between 2022 and 2023, which facilitated the hacking of over 65,000 devices across six EU member states. This support enabled cybercriminals to infiltrate critical systems, raising alarms about the vulnerabilities in Europe’s digital infrastructure.

Anxun Information Technology, another Chinese company, is alleged to have offered hacking services specifically aimed at compromising critical infrastructure and essential functions in EU member states and third countries. The company’s co-founders are believed to have played a pivotal role in orchestrating these cyberattacks, further cementing their place on the EU’s sanctions list.

From Iran, Emennet Pasargad has been identified as a key player in multiple influence campaigns and cyberattacks. The company is accused of compromising an SMS service in Sweden and hijacking advertising billboards during the 2024 Paris Olympics to spread misinformation. These actions highlight the growing use of cyber tools for disinformation and disruption, posing significant challenges to democratic societies.

Emennet Pasargad’s activities extend beyond Europe. In early January 2023, a hacker known as “Holy Souls” on a cyber forum offered to sell personal information of 230,000 subscribers of the French magazine Charlie Hebdo for 20 bitcoins, worth approximately $340,000 at the time. The stolen data included names and addresses, demonstrating the lucrative nature of cybercrime and the ease with which sensitive information can be exploited.

The company’s ties to the Iranian government have long been suspected, with Emennet Pasargad providing cybersecurity services that have been weaponized for offensive purposes. In November 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice offered a $10 million reward for information leading to the arrest of two Iranian nationals who worked as contractors for the company, underscoring the global reach of these cyber threats.

The EU’s sanctions are not merely symbolic. Those listed are subject to an asset freeze, and EU citizens and companies are prohibited from providing financial or economic support to them. Additionally, the two individuals face a travel ban, preventing them from entering or transiting through EU territories. These measures aim to disrupt the operations of these entities and send a clear message that cyber aggression will not be tolerated.

The sanctions also reflect a broader international effort to combat cybercrime. In 2024, the FBI linked Integrity Technology Group to the ‘Raptor Train’ botnet, operated by the Chinese state-sponsored threat actor ‘Flax Typhoon.’ This botnet infected 260,000 devices, creating a massive network for malicious activities. In January 2025, the U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned the company for its involvement in these cyberattacks, highlighting the coordinated efforts of Western nations to address cyber threats.

Similarly, Anxun Information Technology, also known as i-Soon, has been under scrutiny for its role in cyberattacks since at least 2011. In March 2025, the U.S. Justice Department sanctioned the company for advertising hacker-for-hire services and carrying out cyberattacks. In mid-February 2024, i-Soon suffered a data leak that exposed its internal operations as a China-affiliated hacking contractor, revealing the extent of its offensive capabilities.

The U.S. authorities have also announced rewards of up to $10 million for information leading to the location of 10 Anxun Information Technology executives and technical staff members, emphasizing the seriousness with which these threats are being addressed.

The European Union’s decision to impose cyber sanctions is part of a broader strategy that began in 2019. As of today, the restrictions target 19 individuals and seven entities responsible for malicious cyber activities. This timeline of sanctions demonstrates the EU’s evolving approach to cybersecurity, adapting to the changing tactics of cybercriminals and state-sponsored actors.

The implications of these sanctions are far-reaching. By targeting key players in the cyber underworld, the EU aims to disrupt their operations, deter future attacks, and protect its citizens and critical infrastructure. However, the effectiveness of these measures will depend on the continued collaboration between international partners and the ability to adapt to emerging threats.

As cyber threats continue to evolve, the EU’s proactive stance serves as a reminder of the importance of cybersecurity in an increasingly digital world. The sanctions against these Chinese and Iranian entities mark a significant step in the ongoing battle against cybercrime, but they also highlight the need for vigilance and innovation in the face of ever-present digital dangers.

Tags: EU sanctions, cyberattacks, cybersecurity, China, Iran, Integrity Technology Group, Anxun Information Technology, Emennet Pasargad, Flax Typhoon, Raptor Train botnet, Charlie Hebdo, Paris Olympics, Holy Souls, hacker-for-hire, critical infrastructure, digital sovereignty, cyber threats, state-sponsored actors, international collaboration, asset freeze, travel ban.

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