Italy extradites alleged Chinese cyber-espionage suspect to US | Cybercrime News
US Prosecutors Charge Chinese Hacker with Stealing Vaccine Research During Pandemic
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Published on April 28, 2026
A 34-year-old Chinese national, Xu Zewei, was extradited from Italy to the United States, where he faces charges related to the alleged theft of vaccine research during the COVID-19 pandemic. Xu’s arrest occurred in Milan last July following an investigation by Italian authorities, who described him as a “dangerous foreign hacker.”
According to a statement from the Italian National Police, Xu was accused of conducting cyberattacks targeting universities and other institutions involved in COVID-19 research. Italian authorities indicated that he and his associates exploited vulnerabilities in email software as part of a state-sponsored cyber-espionage operation known as “Hafnium.”
The U.S. Department of Justice reported that Xu had targeted various institutions, including a university in southern Texas and a law firm with offices in Washington, D.C., and internationally. He was allegedly acting under the direction of China’s Ministry of State Security while employed by Shanghai Powerock Network, a company purportedly facilitating these cyber activities.
Xu appeared before the U.S. District Court in Houston on Monday, facing nine criminal counts. These charges include wire fraud and conspiracy to gain unauthorized access to protected computers. Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg emphasized the United States’ commitment to combating cybercrime, stating, “The United States is committed to pursuing hackers who steal information from U.S. businesses and universities and threaten our cybersecurity.”
Eisenberg also recognized the efforts of the prosecutors and investigators involved in the case. “We look forward to proving our case in court,” he added.
The Chinese Embassy in Washington did not respond to requests for comment, and Beijing has previously denied any involvement in hacking activities, calling such allegations “groundless accusations.”
Xu’s legal representatives in both Italy and the United States did not provide immediate responses to inquiries seeking comment. If convicted, Xu could face up to 20 years in prison for each of the most serious charges brought against him.
