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.
According to the US Department of Justice, Xu was arrested on July 6, 2025, by Italian authorities in the city of Milan. The US had issued an international warrant for Xu’s arrest, and Italian authorities cooperated with Washington to apprehend the suspect.
The hacking group, known as APT41, is believed to have stolen sensitive information related to COVID-19 vaccine development, including research data, prototype designs, and other intellectual property. The group is also accused of stealing financial information and personal data from US companies and individuals.
The US Department of Justice alleges that Xu was working on behalf of Chinese intelligence agencies to carry out the hacking operations. The motive behind the theft of COVID-19 vaccine data is believed to be to give China an unfair advantage in the global race to develop effective vaccines and treatments for the pandemic.
The Chinese government has previously denied any involvement in the hacking operations, and it is unclear whether Xu will cooperate with US authorities or seek to have his case heard in Italy.
The arrest of Xu marks a significant development in the ongoing efforts of US authorities to combat state-sponsored cybercrime and protect American intellectual property. The case highlights the growing threat of cyber attacks by nation-state actors and the need for international cooperation to combat these threats.
Background on APT41
APT41 is a hacking group that has been active since at least 2012. The group is believed to be based in China and has been responsible for a wide range of cyber attacks, including espionage, financial fraud, and data theft.
In 2019, APT41 was accused of stealing sensitive information from more than 100 companies, including technology firms, manufacturers, and financial institutions. The group is believed to have targeted companies in a variety of industries, including healthcare, finance, and technology.
In addition to the COVID-19 vaccine data theft, APT41 has been accused of stealing intellectual property related to other vaccines, including those for influenza and measles. The group has also been linked to a wide range of other cyber attacks, including the theft of financial information and personal data.
Consequences for Xu and China
The arrest of Xu and the allegations of state-sponsored cybercrime by China are likely to have significant consequences for both the individual and the Chinese government.
Xu faces charges of wire fraud, identity theft, and conspiracy to commit computer fraud. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison.
The allegations of state-sponsored cybercrime by China are likely to have significant diplomatic and economic consequences. The US has already imposed sanctions on several Chinese companies and individuals accused of engaging in cyber attacks, and the arrest of Xu could lead to further sanctions and diplomatic tensions.
The Chinese government has previously denied any involvement in the hacking operations, and it is unclear whether Xu will cooperate with US authorities or seek to have his case heard in Italy. The case highlights the growing tensions between the US and China over issues related to cyber security and intellectual property.
International Cooperation
The arrest of Xu and the allegations of state-sponsored cybercrime by China highlight the importance of international cooperation in combating cyber threats. The case demonstrates that countries can work together to identify and prosecute individuals accused of engaging in cyber attacks, even if they are based in other countries.
The US and Italian authorities have praised the cooperation between their governments in the arrest of Xu, and the case is likely to serve as a model for future international investigations and prosecutions of cyber crimes.
In conclusion, the arrest of Xu Zewei, a Chinese state-sponsored contract hacker, in Italy at the request of the US Department of Justice, marks a significant development in the ongoing efforts of US authorities to combat state-sponsored cybercrime and protect American intellectual property. The case highlights the growing threat of cyber attacks by nation-state actors and the need for international cooperation to combat these threats.
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