Federal scrutiny of Chinese firm PAX Global Technology over data theft and Hunter Biden-linked backers has triggered national security alarms across the U.S. financial system.
At a Glance
- PAX Global is under federal investigation for cybersecurity threats
- FBI raided the firm over concerns of foreign data exfiltration
- The company is linked to Che Feng, an associate of Hunter Biden
- PAX terminals allegedly served as malware and command hubs
- Congress and Treasury are intensifying scrutiny of foreign tech firms
Foreign Tech, Domestic Threat
Federal authorities are intensifying their investigation into PAX Global Technology, a Chinese-owned payment processor accused of serving as a conduit for foreign cyber threats. The FBI raided its Florida offices in late 2021 following reports that PAX payment terminals were being used to transmit sensitive data to unknown international endpoints. Subsequent forensic analysis revealed that these devices allegedly acted as malware “droppers” and command hubs, allowing remote actors to stage cyberattacks from within U.S. financial infrastructure.
Complicating matters is PAX’s alleged ownership connection to Che Feng, a Chinese financier previously tied to Hunter Biden. This revelation has injected political fuel into the investigation, prompting members of Congress to demand urgent action against foreign influence and cyber infiltration in U.S. commerce.
Watch a report: FBI Confirms Ongoing Threats Tied to Hunter Biden Probe.
FBI Pushes Back Amid Unprecedented Threats
The high-profile nature of the probe has exposed FBI agents to an alarming surge in threats, particularly those connected to the broader Hunter Biden investigation. Jennifer L. Moore, the FBI’s Executive Assistant Director for Human Resources, described the situation as “unprecedented,” noting that the bureau has had to create a new threat response unit to shield personnel and their families from harm.
Federal prosecutors say the rise in hostility has escalated beyond rhetoric. “Things towards their families… that has absolutely increased,” said FBI official Thomas Sobocinski, emphasizing the emotional toll on agents working the case. Natalie Bara, Head of the FBI Agents Association, urged bipartisan condemnation of threats to law enforcement.
Despite an independent audit concluding no consumer data had been compromised, a senior PAX executive resigned shortly after the raid, fueling speculation of deeper internal dysfunction. Some major retailers have ceased using PAX devices; others await clarity from the Treasury Department, which has cautioned that data transmission from PAX devices poses confidentiality risks.
Cybersecurity and Political Fault Lines
The PAX case is now a flashpoint in Washington’s broader debate over foreign access to critical infrastructure. With the investigation still active, congressional committees are pushing for stronger oversight of foreign-backed tech firms operating within U.S. financial systems.
Lawmakers warn that potential ties between politically exposed persons and cyber-vulnerable platforms could erode public trust and threaten national sovereignty. Treasury officials and cybersecurity experts agree: America’s financial plumbing is under silent siege, and the PAX investigation may be only the beginning of a much larger reckoning.
As legal scrutiny intensifies, the future of PAX’s operations in the U.S. remains uncertain—but the larger message from Washington is clear: security lapses tied to foreign actors, especially those intersecting with political power, will no longer be tolerated.
