Chinese Man Wanted for Stealing Covid Data Held in Italy: US
In a significant development, the US 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 Chinese government has previously denied any involvement in the alleged hacking incident.
According to the US Department of Justice, Xu Zewei, a 31-year-old Chinese national, was arrested on July 6, 2025, in Rome, Italy, following a joint effort by the US and Italian authorities. Xu is accused of being a member of a hacking group known as “APT41,” which is sponsored by the Chinese government’s Ministry of State Security (MSS).
The hacking group is believed to have stolen sensitive data from various companies and organizations across the globe, including the US, in an attempt to gain an advantage over its competitors. The stolen data included confidential information related to COVID-19 vaccine development, which was allegedly used by Chinese intelligence to further their own interests.
The US Department of Justice alleges that Xu Zewei and his co-conspirators used sophisticated hacking techniques to breach the security systems of several US companies, including pharmaceutical firms, medical device manufacturers, and research institutions. The stolen data was then used to gain an upper hand in the development of COVID-19 vaccines and treatments.
The US Department of Justice has charged Xu Zewei with conspiracy to commit computer fraud and wire fraud, as well as conspiracy to commit economic espionage. If convicted, Xu faces up to 25 years in prison.
The arrest of Xu Zewei is a significant blow to China’s alleged hacking activities, which have been a source of concern for the US government and other countries. The Chinese government has consistently denied any involvement in hacking activities, and has accused the US of spreading misinformation and engaging in a “Cold War” against China.
However, the US Department of Justice has released evidence that suggests Xu Zewei was in regular contact with Chinese intelligence agents and was receiving instructions from them. The evidence includes emails, chat logs, and other digital communications that allegedly show Xu’s involvement in the hacking activities.
The arrest of Xu Zewei is seen as a significant victory for the US Department of Justice, which has been working to combat cybercrime and protect American companies and organizations from foreign hacking activities. The Department has recently launched several investigations into Chinese hacking activities, and has charged several Chinese nationals with conspiracy to commit cybercrime.
The case against Xu Zewei is also seen as a test of the US-Italy extradition treaty, which allows for the extradition of criminals between the two countries. Italy has agreed to extradite Xu Zewei to the US, where he will face trial on the charges against him.
The arrest of Xu Zewei has sparked concerns about the spread of COVID-19 and the potential consequences of hacking activities on public health. The stolen data could have been used to develop vaccines and treatments more quickly, potentially saving lives and reducing the spread of the virus.
The incident also highlights the importance of cybersecurity in the healthcare industry, which has been a major target of hackers in recent years. The theft of sensitive data, including personal and medical information, can have serious consequences for patients and healthcare providers.
In conclusion, the arrest of Xu Zewei, a Chinese state-sponsored contract hacker, is a significant development in the ongoing effort to combat cybercrime and protect American companies and organizations from foreign hacking activities. The allegations against Xu Zewei are serious, and if convicted, he could face up to 25 years in prison.
The incident also highlights the importance of cybersecurity in the healthcare industry, which has been a major target of hackers in recent years. The theft of sensitive data, including personal and medical information, can have serious consequences for patients and healthcare providers.
As the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, it is essential that we prioritize cybersecurity and take steps to protect ourselves from hacking activities. The arrest of Xu Zewei is a significant step in the right direction, and we hope that it will serve as a deterrent to other hackers who may be considering similar activities.
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