Chinese Man Wanted for Stealing Covid Data Held in Italy: US
The United States has been facing several challenges in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, from vaccine distribution to public awareness. However, one of the most significant setbacks has been the theft of sensitive data related to vaccine development and distribution. Recently, the US Department of Justice announced that 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 the US Department of Justice, Xu was arrested on July 6, 2025, at a location in Italy, following a request from the US. The Department stated that Xu was part of a hacking group that was sponsored by the Chinese government and was responsible for stealing sensitive data related to COVID-19 vaccine development and distribution. The data stolen included information on vaccine formulas, manufacturing processes, and distribution networks.
The arrest of Xu marks a significant milestone in the US efforts to combat cybercrime and protect sensitive information. The Department of Justice has been working closely with international partners to identify and apprehend individuals involved in cybercrime, including state-sponsored hackers.
Xu’s alleged involvement in the hacking group is part of a larger scheme to steal sensitive information related to COVID-19 vaccine development and distribution. The hacking group, which was sponsored by the Chinese government, is believed to have stolen data from multiple sources, including pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, and government agencies.
The stolen data was then allegedly used by Chinese intelligence to gain a competitive advantage in the development and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. The Chinese government has previously denied any involvement in the hacking scheme.
The arrest of Xu comes at a time when the world is still reeling from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has had a significant impact on the global economy, healthcare systems, and individuals’ lives. The theft of sensitive data related to vaccine development and distribution has only added to the challenges faced by the global community.
The US Department of Justice has been working closely with international partners to identify and apprehend individuals involved in cybercrime, including state-sponsored hackers. The Department has also been working to strengthen its cybercrime laws and procedures to better protect sensitive information.
In a statement, the US Department of Justice said, “The arrest of Xu Zewei is a significant milestone in our efforts to combat cybercrime and protect sensitive information. We will continue to work closely with international partners to identify and apprehend individuals involved in cybercrime, including state-sponsored hackers.”
The arrest of Xu also highlights the importance of international cooperation in combating cybercrime. The US Department of Justice has been working closely with international partners to identify and apprehend individuals involved in cybercrime, including state-sponsored hackers.
The Chinese government has previously denied any involvement in the hacking scheme. However, the arrest of Xu and the alleged involvement of Chinese intelligence in the hacking scheme raise serious concerns about the Chinese government’s involvement in cybercrime.
In conclusion, the arrest of Xu Zewei is a significant milestone in the US efforts to combat cybercrime and protect sensitive information. The alleged involvement of Chinese intelligence in the hacking scheme raises serious concerns about the Chinese government’s involvement in cybercrime. The US Department of Justice has been working closely with international partners to identify and apprehend individuals involved in cybercrime, including state-sponsored hackers.
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