Chinese Man Wanted for Stealing COVID Data Held in Italy: US
The US Department of Justice has made a significant breakthrough in its efforts to combat cybercrime, as a Chinese state-sponsored contract hacker, Xu Zewei, was arrested 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 a statement released by the US Department of Justice, Xu was taken into custody on July 1, 2025, by Italian authorities in the city of Turin. The US government has been working closely with Italian law enforcement agencies to bring Xu to justice, and the arrest marks a major milestone in the ongoing efforts to combat cybercrime.
The hacking group, which is believed to have been sponsored by the Chinese government, is alleged to have stolen sensitive data related to COVID-19 vaccines, including intellectual property and trade secrets. The stolen data was reportedly used by Chinese companies to develop their own COVID-19 vaccines, which were then sold in foreign markets.
The US Department of Justice has accused Xu of being a key member of the hacking group, which was known as “APT41”. APT41 is believed to have been active since at least 2012 and has been linked to several high-profile cyberattacks around the world.
The Chinese government has previously denied any involvement in the hacking incident, but the US Department of Justice has provided evidence that suggests otherwise. In a statement, the department said that the hacking group was “designed to support China’s strategic objectives, including its economic and national security interests”.
Xu’s arrest is the latest in a series of high-profile cybercrime cases linked to China. In recent years, there have been several instances of Chinese hackers being arrested or charged with cybercrimes in the US and other countries.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of cybersecurity, as governments and companies around the world have faced unprecedented threats from hackers and cybercriminals. The US Department of Justice has said that it will continue to work with international partners to combat cybercrime and protect American interests.
The arrest of Xu is a significant development in the ongoing efforts to combat cybercrime, and it sends a strong message to hackers and cybercriminals around the world. The Chinese government’s involvement in the hacking incident is a serious concern, and it highlights the need for increased cooperation and coordination between governments to combat cybercrime.
The US Department of Justice has said that it will continue to work with international partners to bring to justice those who have been involved in the hacking incident. The department has also urged companies and individuals to take steps to protect themselves from cybercrime, including implementing robust cybersecurity measures and reporting any suspicious activity to the authorities.
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