Emails belonging to staff of several committees in the U.S. House of Representatives were breached in a cyberattack attributed to a Chinese-linked hacking group.

The Financial Times reported that the group, known as Salt Typhoon, gained access to email platforms used by staffers attached to the House China committee, as well as aides working with committees responsible for foreign affairs, intelligence, and armed services matters.

The report did not disclose the identities of the specific staff members affected by the intrusion.

Reacting to the allegation, Chinese Embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu rejected what he described as “groundless speculation and accusations,” while the Federal Bureau of Investigation declined to offer any comment. The White House and the offices of the four committees said to be affected also did not immediately respond to media inquiries.

A source familiar with the incident said it remained uncertain whether the hackers were able to access the personal email accounts of lawmakers themselves. The cyber intrusion was reportedly discovered in December.

U.S. legislators and their aides—especially those involved in military and intelligence oversight—have frequently been targets of cyber espionage, with hacking attempts and breaches reported from time to time.

In November, the Senate Sergeant at Arms alerted several congressional offices to a “cyber incident” in which hackers may have gained access to communications between the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office and some Senate offices.

Similarly, a 2023 report by The Washington Post revealed that two senior U.S. lawmakers were targeted in a hacking operation linked to Vietnam.

The Salt Typhoon group, which U.S. officials allege operates on behalf of Chinese intelligence, has been accused of collecting Americans’ telephone metadata and intercepting conversations, including those involving U.S. government officials and politicians. China has consistently denied involvement in such surveillance activities.

Early last year, Washington imposed sanctions on alleged hacker Yin Kecheng and cybersecurity firm Sichuan Juxinhe Network Technology, accusing them of playing roles in the Salt Typhoon cyber campaign.