Chinese Man Wanted for Stealing COVID Data Held in Italy: US
The United States Department of Justice has announced that a Chinese state-sponsored contract hacker, Xu Zewei, has been 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.
The arrest of Xu Zewei marks a significant development in the ongoing efforts to combat cybercrime and protect sensitive information during the COVID-19 pandemic. The US Department of Justice has accused Xu and his hacking group of stealing valuable data related to COVID-19 vaccines and treatments, which was then used to further China’s interests.
According to the US Department of Justice, Xu Zewei is a Chinese national who was working as a contract hacker for the Chinese government. His hacking group, which was allegedly sponsored by the Chinese government, stole sensitive information from US companies and institutions, including COVID-19 vaccine research and development data.
The US Department of Justice has accused Xu and his hacking group of committing a range of cybercrimes, including hacking, data theft, and trade secret misappropriation. Xu is also accused of using his hacking skills to evade detection and avoid being caught by authorities.
The arrest of Xu Zewei comes as a significant blow to China’s efforts to steal sensitive information from the US and other countries. The Chinese government has previously denied any involvement in the hacking group, but the US Department of Justice has accused China of sponsoring the hacking group.
The COVID-19 pandemic has seen a significant increase in cybercrime, with hackers targeting healthcare organizations, pharmaceutical companies, and research institutions. The theft of sensitive information related to COVID-19 vaccines and treatments has been a major concern, as it could potentially be used to disrupt the development and distribution of life-saving treatments.
The US Department of Justice has launched an investigation into the hacking group, which has led to the arrest of Xu Zewei. The department has also issued a statement condemning the hacking group’s actions and calling on China to take responsibility for its actions.
“The United States will not tolerate the theft of sensitive information or the use of hacking to further a country’s interests,” said a spokesperson for the US Department of Justice. “We will continue to work with our international partners to combat cybercrime and protect the integrity of our institutions.”
The arrest of Xu Zewei is a significant development in the ongoing efforts to combat cybercrime and protect sensitive information during the COVID-19 pandemic. It serves as a reminder of the importance of cybersecurity and the need for countries to work together to prevent the theft of sensitive information.
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