Italy to extradite suspected Chinese hacker wanted by US authorities: reports

In a significant development concerning international cybercrime allegations, the Italian government has reportedly agreed to extradite Xu Zewei, a Chinese national sought by the United States. US authorities accuse Xu of serious hacking offenses, including the theft of vital COVID-19 medical research during the early stages of the pandemic.

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The government’s decision, which was ‌‌first reported by Bloomberg, follows a ruling by an Italian court earlier this month which said Xu Zewei could be extradited.

The decision, first reported by Bloomberg and confirmed by sources familiar with the matter, follows a judicial review earlier this month where an Italian court ruled that Xu could be extradited. The alleged computer piracy acts, according to the US Justice Department, took place between February 2020 and June 2021. Xu was apprehended in Milan on July 3rd based on the US request.

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Xu’s lawyer Enrico Giarda told Reuters that his client ⁠⁠had not received any communications on the matter so far.

Xu Zewei, however, maintains his innocence. His legal representative, Enrico Giarda, has stated that his client has not yet received official communication regarding the extradition decision. Furthermore, Xu's defense has previously argued that he is a victim of mistaken identity. The US alleges that Xu was acting at the behest of the Chinese government in his alleged hacking activities, a claim that adds a layer of geopolitical complexity to the case.

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Xu was ‌‌arrested in Milan on July 3 at the request of US authorities, who have accused him ‌‌of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft for his ⁠⁠alleged role ⁠⁠in computer piracy acts that took place between February 2020 and June 2021.