Chinese Man Wanted for Stealing Covid Data Held in Italy: US
The US Department of Justice has made a significant breakthrough in its efforts to combat cybercrime, announcing the arrest of a Chinese state-sponsored contract hacker in Italy last week. Xu Zewei, a 31-year-old Chinese national, 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.
According to the US Department of Justice, Xu Zewei was arrested by Italian authorities on July 1, 2025, at the request of Washington. The arrest is a significant blow to Chinese intelligence and marks a major victory for the US in its efforts to combat cybercrime.
The hacking group, known as APT41, is believed to have stolen sensitive information from companies and organizations around the world, including intellectual property and personal data. The group’s targets included pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, and government agencies.
The US Department of Justice alleges that Xu Zewei played a key role in the hacking group’s operations, using his skills as a contract hacker to steal sensitive information on behalf of Chinese intelligence. The group is believed to have been operating since at least 2012 and has been linked to numerous high-profile cyber attacks.
The arrest of Xu Zewei is seen as a significant blow to Chinese intelligence and marks a major victory for the US in its efforts to combat cybercrime. The US Department of Justice has been working closely with Italian authorities to track down and arrest Chinese hackers who have been operating in the country.
The arrest comes at a time when tensions between the US and China are at a high. The two countries have been engaged in a trade war and have been at odds over a range of issues, including human rights and national security.
The Chinese government has previously denied any involvement in the hacking group’s activities. However, the US Department of Justice has presented evidence that suggests otherwise, including intercepted communications between Xu Zewei and other members of the hacking group.
The arrest of Xu Zewei is a significant development in the ongoing efforts to combat cybercrime. It highlights the importance of international cooperation in tracking down and arresting hackers who operate across borders.
The US Department of Justice has been working closely with Italian authorities to track down and arrest Chinese hackers who have been operating in the country. The arrest of Xu Zewei is a significant blow to Chinese intelligence and marks a major victory for the US in its efforts to combat cybercrime.
The hacking group’s activities have had significant consequences for the global economy and have undermined trust in the security of online transactions. The arrest of Xu Zewei is a significant step towards bringing those responsible to justice.
The US Department of Justice has been working closely with other countries to track down and arrest hackers who operate across borders. The arrest of Xu Zewei is a significant development in the ongoing efforts to combat cybercrime.
The Chinese government has previously denied any involvement in the hacking group’s activities. However, the US Department of Justice has presented evidence that suggests otherwise, including intercepted communications between Xu Zewei and other members of the hacking group.
The US Department of Justice has announced that Xu Zewei will be extradited to the US to face charges related to his alleged activities. The extradition process is expected to take several weeks.
The arrest of Xu Zewei is a significant development in the ongoing efforts to combat cybercrime. It highlights the importance of international cooperation in tracking down and arresting hackers who operate across borders.
The US Department of Justice has been working closely with Italian authorities to track down and arrest Chinese hackers who have been operating in the country. The arrest of Xu Zewei is a significant blow to Chinese intelligence and marks a major victory for the US in its efforts to combat cybercrime.
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