Chinese hacker arrested in Italy for stealing covid vaccine research

In early July 2023, Xu Zewei, a 33-year-old Chinese national, was apprehended at Malpensa Airport in Milan, Italy. He is charged by U.S. authorities as a participant in a state-directed cyber espionage effort targeting COVID-19 research. The case highlights the increasing concerns over cyber threats linked to national interests, particularly from China, amidst the global pandemic. Xu is accused of conducting hacking operations at the direction of the Shanghai State Security Bureau, targeting American universities and research institutions involved in vaccine development. Alongside his co-conspirator Zhang Yu, who remains at large, Xu faces multiple charges, including conspiracy and identity theft. His arrest represents a significant operation by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation, which has intensified its efforts to capture hackers associated with foreign intelligence agencies. The U.S. is pursuing extradition proceedings to bring Xu back for prosecution, revealing tensions between the U.S. and China amid fraught geopolitical relations. The indictment alleges that Xu’s operations occurred during a crucial time when the world was racing to understand and combat the novel coronavirus while also dealing with ongoing international tensions. The case is emblematic of a broader trend where countries are increasingly vigilant against cyber threats targeting vital health data and intellectual property. The involvement of Italian authorities in apprehending Xu indicates cooperative efforts in international law enforcement, though it may create diplomatic challenges in Italy’s relationship with China, a significant trading partner. This arrest not only emphasizes the global response to cybersecurity but serves as a reminder of the need for secure research environments.