Full Breakdown
Italy Extradites Chinese Hacker Xu Zewei to United States
4/28/2026, 7:00:18 AM
Extradition of Xu Zewei to U.S. Federal Court
Italian police confirmed on 27 April 2026 that Xu Zewei, a Chinese citizen arrested in Milan on 3 July 2023, was transferred to U.S. authorities. The handover follows an Italian supreme-court decision earlier that month permitting the extradition. Xu now faces U.S. federal charges of wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, criminal conspiracy, unauthorized computer access and computer fraud.
Background: Alleged COVID-19 Research Theft and Hafnium Links
U.S. prosecutors allege Xu participated in a campaign from February 2020 to June 2021 that hacked U.S. universities and research labs studying COVID-19 vaccines, treatments and testing. The Justice Department says he reported to officers of China’s Ministry of State Security, which directed the operations. In 2021 he is accused of joining the Hafnium cyber-espionage group, which infiltrated thousands of computers worldwide, including in the United States.
Timeline
- 3 July 2023 – Xu arrested in Milan at U.S. request.
- Early April 2026 – Italy’s highest court authorizes extradition.
- 27 April 2026 – Italian police hand Xu over to U.S. officials; DOJ confirms the transfer.
Official Statements & Responses
The U.S. Department of Justice said Xu will stand in a federal courtroom to answer for crimes that struck at the heart of American science and security. Italian police described him as a dangerous foreign hacker and affirmed the legality of the extradition. China’s Foreign Ministry condemned the move as fabricating charges through political manipulation and urged Italy to respect facts and law.
Criticism & Opposition
China’s spokesperson accused the United States of politicizing the case and warned Italy against becoming an accomplice of the United States. Xu’s lawyer, Enrico Giarda, maintains his client is a victim of mistaken identity and asserts no direct evidence links him to the alleged intrusions.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on when Xu was physically moved to the United States; Reuters noted he was already on U.S. soil but gave no date. The DOJ has not released technical evidence to substantiate the hacking claims, leaving a factual gap in the public record.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Today, Xu Zewei will stand in a federal courtroom to answer for crimes that struck at the heart of American science and security.” — John Marck, Acting U.S. Attorney
- “a dangerous foreign hacker” — Italian police
- “fabricating charges through political manipulation” — Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson
- “ Xu's lawyer previously maintained his client was a victim of mistaken identity.” — Enrico Giarda, Xu’s lawyer
- “becoming an accomplice of the U.S.” — Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson
What’s Next
Xu is slated to appear before a federal court in Texas later this month. The proceedings will determine whether the U.S. proceeds to trial and could shape future extradition cases involving alleged cyber-espionage between the United States and China.
