AsianFin -- Chinese authorities have issued arrest warrants for three individuals alleged to be agents of the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA), accusing them of orchestrating cyberattacks on the Asian Winter Games held in Harbin in February.

The Harbin Municipal Public Security Bureau announced on Tuesday that it is seeking Katheryn A. Wilson, Robert J. Snelling, and Stephen W. Johnson, who are believed to be affiliated with the NSA’s Office of Tailored Access Operations—an elite cyber-espionage unit. Authorities allege the trio used artificial intelligence tools to carry out the attacks.

The cyberattacks reportedly targeted China’s critical information infrastructure, including high-profile companies such as Huawei. “These individuals have been repeatedly involved in cyber intrusions against key Chinese institutions,” the police said in the notice, adding that cash rewards will be offered for information leading to their capture.

No further personal details or locations of the suspects were released. However, the incident marks a sharp escalation in Beijing’s public accusations against U.S. intelligence agencies amid growing tensions over cybersecurity and espionage.

In a notable addition, Chinese authorities also named the University of California and Virginia Tech as entities allegedly involved in the attacks, though specific roles were not clarified.

Chinese cybersecurity analysts claim that the attacks coincided with the high-profile international sports event in Harbin and were designed to disrupt critical communications infrastructure, including event logistics and government systems.

The development comes as China intensifies efforts to combat foreign surveillance, particularly from the U.S., amid rising geopolitical strains and tit-for-tat accusations of cyber espionage from both sides.