Chinese Man Wanted for Stealing Covid Data Held in Italy: US
In a significant development, the US Department of Justice has announced the arrest of a Chinese state-sponsored contract hacker, Xu Zewei, in Italy at the request of Washington. Xu is alleged to be part of a hacking group that stole COVID-19 vaccine secrets from the US on behalf of Chinese intelligence at the height of the pandemic in 2020. According to the US authorities, Xu’s actions were carried out as part of a broader effort by Chinese intelligence to acquire sensitive information on the development of COVID-19 vaccines.
The arrest of Xu Zewei is a major breakthrough in the ongoing efforts by the US government to hold accountable individuals and entities that have engaged in illegal activities related to the pandemic. The Chinese government, however, has previously denied any involvement in the theft of COVID-19 vaccine secrets, and it remains to be seen how Beijing will respond to the latest developments.
According to the US Department of Justice, Xu Zewei was arrested in Italy on July 5, 2025, and is currently being held in custody pending extradition to the United States. The charges against Xu include conspiracy to commit computer fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit economic espionage.
The investigation into Xu’s activities began in 2020, when US authorities became aware of a hacking group that was targeting universities, research institutions, and companies involved in the development of COVID-19 vaccines. The hackers were using sophisticated tactics, including phishing emails and malware, to gain access to sensitive information and intellectual property.
As the investigation progressed, the US authorities discovered that Xu Zewei was a key player in the hacking group, and that he was working on behalf of Chinese intelligence to steal COVID-19 vaccine secrets. Xu had allegedly been recruited by Chinese intelligence officials to use his skills as a contract hacker to carry out the theft.
The stolen information included sensitive data on the development of COVID-19 vaccines, including formulas, manufacturing processes, and clinical trial results. The theft of this information was seen as a major breach of national security and a potential threat to the development of COVID-19 vaccines.
The US Department of Justice has stated that the arrest of Xu Zewei is a significant blow to Chinese intelligence’s efforts to steal sensitive information on COVID-19 vaccines. “This case demonstrates the commitment of the US Department of Justice to holding accountable those who engage in illegal activities related to the pandemic,” said a spokesperson for the department.
The Chinese government has previously denied any involvement in the theft of COVID-19 vaccine secrets, and it is likely that Beijing will continue to deny any involvement in the latest developments. However, the arrest of Xu Zewei is a major embarrassment for the Chinese government, and it could have significant implications for the country’s relations with the US and other countries.
In a statement, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said that Xu Zewei was a “private citizen” who was “innocent of all charges.” The ministry also accused the US of “smearing” China and attempting to “stifle” its development.
The arrest of Xu Zewei is just the latest in a series of developments related to Chinese hacking and espionage activities. In recent years, the US Department of Justice has brought charges against several Chinese nationals accused of engaging in hacking and espionage activities, including a group of Chinese hackers who were accused of stealing sensitive information on biotechnology and other industries.
The US government has also taken steps to protect its intellectual property and sensitive information from Chinese hacking and espionage activities. In 2020, the US Department of Commerce banned several Chinese companies from purchasing US technology and exporting US goods and services due to concerns that they were engaging in illegal activities.
The arrest of Xu Zewei is a significant development in the ongoing efforts by the US government to hold accountable individuals and entities that have engaged in illegal activities related to the pandemic. It is a reminder that the US government is committed to protecting its national security and intellectual property, and that it will take all necessary steps to hold accountable those who engage in illegal activities.
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