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. The hacker 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 Zewei was arrested in Italy last week and is currently being held in custody pending extradition to the United States. The arrest comes as a result of a joint investigation conducted by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Italian authorities.
The US Department of Justice has alleged that Xu Zewei was a member of a Chinese hacking group that was sponsored by the Chinese government to steal sensitive information from the United States. The group, which was known as APT41, was responsible for stealing confidential data, including COVID-19 vaccine secrets, from leading pharmaceutical companies and research institutions in the US.
The hacking group allegedly stole sensitive information from companies such as Moderna, Novavax, and Johnson & Johnson, as well as from research institutions like the University of California, Los Angeles. The stolen data included confidential information about the development of COVID-19 vaccines, as well as information about the companies’ business strategies and financial plans.
The Chinese government has previously denied any involvement in the hacking activities, and has accused the US of making baseless accusations. However, the US authorities claim that the evidence they have gathered shows that Xu Zewei was working on behalf of the Chinese government to steal sensitive information from the US.
Xu Zewei’s arrest is a significant development in the ongoing efforts of the US to combat cybercrime and protect its intellectual property. The US has been increasingly concerned about the activities of Chinese hackers, who have been accused of stealing sensitive information from American companies and research institutions.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of protecting intellectual property and sensitive information, particularly in the area of medical research and development. The theft of COVID-19 vaccine secrets has not only compromised the development of effective vaccines, but has also undermined the trust and confidence of the public in the medical community.
The US authorities have accused Xu Zewei of conspiracy to commit computer fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering, and have charged him with multiple counts of wire fraud and conspiracy. If convicted, Xu Zewei faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
The arrest of Xu Zewei is a significant blow to the Chinese hacking group, and is likely to send a strong message to other cybercriminals that the US will not tolerate the theft of sensitive information from American companies and research institutions. The US authorities have vowed to continue to work closely with international partners to combat cybercrime and protect intellectual property.
In a statement, the US Department of Justice said, “The arrest of Xu Zewei is a significant milestone in our efforts to hold accountable those who engage in cybercrime and intellectual property theft. We will continue to work closely with our international partners to bring to justice those who threaten the security and integrity of our intellectual property.”
The case against Xu Zewei is a reminder of the importance of protecting intellectual property and sensitive information, particularly in the area of medical research and development. It also highlights the need for international cooperation and collaboration to combat cybercrime and protect intellectual property.
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