Chinese Man Wanted for Stealing COVID Data Held in Italy: US
The United States Department of Justice has made a significant breakthrough in its efforts to apprehend individuals involved in the theft of sensitive COVID-19 data. Xu Zewei, a Chinese state-sponsored contract hacker, has been arrested in Italy at the request of Washington. According to reports, Xu was allegedly 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, which took place last week, is a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the theft of COVID-19 data. The US Department of Justice has long been concerned about the activities of Chinese hackers, who have been accused of stealing sensitive information from American companies and institutions.
According to the indictment, Xu and his accomplices hacked into the computer systems of several US companies and stole intellectual property related to COVID-19 vaccines. The stolen data included confidential information about vaccine development, testing, and production. The hackers then transmitted the stolen data to Chinese intelligence agencies, who used it to further their own vaccine development efforts.
The Chinese government has consistently denied any involvement in the theft of COVID-19 data. However, the US Department of Justice has presented a wealth of evidence to support its claims, including testimony from Xu himself.
“We are grateful to the Italian authorities for their assistance in this matter,” said Acting US Attorney Michael Sherwin. “The arrest of Xu Zewei is a significant blow to the Chinese hacking group responsible for stealing sensitive COVID-19 data. We will continue to work tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice.”
Xu’s arrest is the latest in a series of high-profile cases involving Chinese hackers. In recent years, the US Department of Justice has brought charges against several Chinese nationals accused of stealing sensitive information from American companies and institutions.
The theft of COVID-19 data is particularly egregious because it has the potential to put lives at risk. The data stolen by Xu and his accomplices could have been used to develop more effective vaccines, which could have saved countless lives.
The Chinese government’s denial of involvement in the theft of COVID-19 data is also concerning. It suggests that the Chinese government may be attempting to downplay the severity of the situation or even cover up its own involvement.
The arrest of Xu Zewei is a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the theft of COVID-19 data. It demonstrates the willingness of the US Department of Justice to take action against individuals who steal sensitive information from American companies and institutions.
The Chinese government must take responsibility for the actions of its citizens and hackers. It is imperative that China takes concrete steps to prevent future instances of data theft and hacking.
In conclusion, the arrest of Xu Zewei is a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the theft of COVID-19 data. It is a reminder that the US Department of Justice will not tolerate the theft of sensitive information from American companies and institutions. The Chinese government must take responsibility for the actions of its citizens and hackers and work to prevent future instances of data theft and hacking.
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