US Arrests Chinese National for Alleged COVID Research Theft and Cyber Attacks
Italian authorities arrested Chinese national Xu Zewei at the request of U.S. prosecutors, marking a significant development in international cybercrime enforcement. The suspect faces charges for allegedly stealing COVID-19 research and conducting mass email server hacking operations.
U.S. government officials confirmed the arrest represents part of broader efforts to combat state-sponsored cyber threats. Xu allegedly targeted sensitive medical research during the pandemic, when COVID-19 studies were critical to global health responses.
The charges reportedly include unauthorized access to computer systems and theft of intellectual property. Federal prosecutors claim Xu participated in large-scale email server compromises affecting multiple organizations across the United States.
Italian law enforcement coordinated with U.S. authorities to execute the arrest under existing extradition agreements. The suspect now awaits potential transfer to face charges in American courts.
This case highlights ongoing tensions between the U.S. and China over alleged cyber espionage activities. American officials have repeatedly accused Chinese nationals of conducting government-backed hacking operations targeting research institutions and private companies.
The arrest comes amid increased scrutiny of foreign cyber threats against American infrastructure and intellectual property. Federal agencies have prioritized investigating attacks on medical research facilities, particularly those developing COVID-19 treatments and vaccines.
Xu’s alleged activities reportedly occurred during peak pandemic periods when research theft could have compromised critical public health efforts worldwide.
