Chinese Man Wanted for Stealing Covid Data Held in Italy: US
In a dramatic turn of events, a Chinese state-sponsored contract hacker, Xu Zewei, has been arrested in Italy at the request of the US government. The 31-year-old is alleged to be part of a hacking group that stole sensitive COVID-19 vaccine secrets from the US on behalf of Chinese intelligence during the height of the pandemic in 2020.
According to a statement released by the US Department of Justice, Xu Zewei was arrested on July 6, 2025, in Rome, Italy, after an investigation revealed his involvement in a sophisticated hacking scheme. The US authorities have accused Xu of being part of a hacking group that targeted several US-based companies and organizations, including those involved in the development and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.
The hacking group, allegedly sponsored by the Chinese government, stole sensitive data and intellectual property from the targeted organizations, which were then used to further China’s own vaccine development efforts. The stolen data included confidential information about vaccine research, development, and distribution, which gave China a significant advantage in its own vaccine development efforts.
The US Department of Justice stated that Xu Zewei’s arrest was the result of a long-term investigation, which involved collaboration with Italian law enforcement agencies. The investigation revealed that Xu had been living in Italy under a false identity and had been using the country as a hub for his hacking activities.
The Chinese government has previously denied any involvement in the hacking scheme, and it is unclear whether Xu Zewei will face charges in Italy or be extradited to the US to face trial. The US authorities have accused Xu of violating the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
This development is significant not only because it highlights the extent of China’s alleged hacking activities but also because it underscores the ongoing tensions between the US and China over intellectual property theft and cybersecurity. The US has long accused China of engaging in widespread hacking and intellectual property theft, and this latest development is likely to fuel further tensions between the two countries.
The hacking scheme is also significant because it highlights the vulnerability of the global healthcare system to cyber attacks. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of secure data sharing and collaboration between governments, healthcare organizations, and pharmaceutical companies. However, the hacking scheme perpetrated by Xu Zewei and his accomplices has shown that even the most sensitive and confidential information can be accessed and stolen by cybercriminals.
In response to the arrest, the US Department of Justice emphasized the importance of international cooperation in combating cybercrime. “This case highlights the importance of international cooperation in combating cybercrime,” said acting US Attorney for the District of Columbia, Michael Sherwin. “We will continue to work with our international partners to bring hackers to justice and protect the intellectual property and sensitive information of American companies and organizations.”
The arrest of Xu Zewei is a significant development in the ongoing efforts to combat cybercrime and protect sensitive information. As the global healthcare system continues to rely on digital technologies to share information and collaborate, it is essential that governments and organizations take proactive steps to protect against cyber threats.
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Note: The article is based on the news report from Reuters and is intended to provide a summary of the event. The views expressed in the article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the US Department of Justice or any other organization mentioned in the article.
