Three lawmakers wrote to commerce secretary Howard Lutnick against three Indian IT companies.
A Reuters investigation in 2023 described Appin as a major player in the global hack-for-hire industry and reported that hackers linked to the company had targeted executives, politicians, military officials and wealthy individuals. Because lawmakers have requested their addition to the Entity List, the companies named in the letter have not been found guilty by the US government merely.
A bipartisan group of US lawmakers has urged the Trump administration to blacklist three Indian companies over allegations that they have been involved in “hack-for-hire” operations targeting American citizens, businesses and lawyers. The lawmakers said in their letter that the firms had been involved in cyber operations against US citizens and businesses, including lawyers representing them. The lawmakers said the US government should use its economic and technological leverage to prevent American technology from being used by companies accused of conducting such operations.
If placed on the Entity List, the companies could face restrictions on accessing US technology, including software, cloud infrastructure and cybersecurity tools. The move would require US companies to obtain government licences before exporting certain controlled items or technologies to them. The Commerce Department will have to consider the allegations and determine whether action is warranted.
