Cross-Border Hack: Chinese Man Detained Amidst Cyber Espionage Accusations
A Chinese national, Xu Zewei, has been arrested in Italy on U.S. charges of state-sponsored hacking targeting COVID-19 research. His indictment details involvement in cyber attacks from 2020 to 2021. The Chinese government denies responsibility, and Xu claims mistaken identity. Extradition proceedings to the U.S. are pending.
In a dramatic development in international cybercrime enforcement, the U.S. Department of Justice announced the arrest of Xu Zewei, a 33-year-old Chinese national, in Italy. Accused of being a contract hacker for the Chinese state, Xu was detained on July 3 while attempting to holiday in Milan.
U.S. authorities allege Xu's involvement in a sophisticated hacking operation targeting COVID-19 research and exploiting software vulnerabilities. The operations reportedly range from February 2020 to June 2021, with the attacks impacting U.S.-based universities and researchers.
China has consistently and vehemently denied such charges. China's embassy spokesperson in Washington stated the nation opposes cybercrime, as Xu's lawyer argued the arrest results from a mistaken identity. Extradition proceedings will determine Xu's fate as his case gains international attention.
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