Chinese Man Wanted for Stealing Covid Data Held in Italy: US
In a significant breakthrough in the ongoing efforts to combat cybercrime, 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. According to the US authorities, Xu Zewei is alleged to be part of a hacking group that stole COVID-19 vaccine secrets from the US on behalf of Chinese intelligence during the height of the pandemic in 2020.
The arrest comes as a major blow to the Chinese government, which has previously denied any involvement in the hacking incident. The US Department of Justice has accused Xu Zewei of being part of a sophisticated hacking operation that targeted vaccine researchers and developers in the United States, with the ultimate goal of stealing sensitive data and intellectual property.
According to the US authorities, Xu Zewei’s hacking group, known as Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) 41, was responsible for stealing a vast amount of data, including trade secrets, intellectual property, and personal identifiable information. The group’s targets included pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, and government agencies, all of which were working on COVID-19 vaccines and treatments.
The investigation into the hacking incident was launched in 2020, shortly after the theft of the sensitive data was discovered. The US authorities worked closely with international partners, including the Italian authorities, to track down and apprehend the suspected hackers.
Xu Zewei’s arrest is a significant development in the case, as it marks the first time that a Chinese state-sponsored hacker has been taken into custody for their involvement in the hacking incident. The US Department of Justice has accused Xu Zewei of being a key player in the hacking group, and has charged him with conspiracy to commit computer fraud and wire fraud.
The arrest comes as a major blow to the Chinese government, which has previously denied any involvement in the hacking incident. The Chinese authorities have consistently maintained that they have no involvement in cybercrime, and have accused the US of making baseless accusations.
However, the US authorities have presented a wealth of evidence to support their claims, including intercepted communications, financial records, and digital forensics. The evidence suggests that Xu Zewei and his hacking group were working on behalf of Chinese intelligence to steal sensitive data and intellectual property.
The hacking incident has significant implications for the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The stolen data could potentially be used to compromise the development and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines and treatments, putting millions of lives at risk.
The arrest of Xu Zewei is a significant step forward in the global efforts to combat cybercrime and protect sensitive data. It sends a strong message to hackers and cybercriminals around the world that they will be held accountable for their actions, and that the international community will work together to bring them to justice.
The US Department of Justice has vowed to continue to prosecute those responsible for the hacking incident, and to work with international partners to disrupt and dismantle cybercriminal organizations. The Italian authorities have also pledged to cooperate fully with the investigation, and to ensure that Xu Zewei is brought to justice.
In conclusion, the arrest of Xu Zewei is a significant development in the ongoing efforts to combat cybercrime and protect sensitive data. It highlights the importance of international cooperation and collaboration in the fight against cybercrime, and serves as a reminder that those who engage in illegal hacking activities will be held accountable for their actions.
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